Fernando Lagreca – Childhood Is All We Have (Irregular/ July 5 2012)

By Clare Lowe

Fernando Lagreca, originally from Uruguay, arrived in Barcelona in 2002 and has made his mark on the music scene ever since. He defines himself as “composer and electronic alchemist” and plays with glitch, ambient and what he calls ‘mini pop’.

Childhood Is All We Have showcases a diverse range of electronic textures that sounds both old and modern. It has a very 80s feel to it in places. ‘Stood By The Gate At The Foot Of A Garden’ is particularly new wave in style, beginning with an irregular beat and guitar riff and falling into a synth-led build up, echoing bands such as New Order or Clan Of Xymox. However, there’s a more modern backing, comparable to the sort of murky, freakish sounds of Aphex Twin.

The theme to the album is summer and nostalgia, of that time in childhood where everything feels like it will always be wonderful. Lagreca came to the album with this theme after finding an old photo album and looking back through his childhood.

There’s an unorganised feel to the work, that is comparative to that of a photo album. Some snippets represent a romantic idealism of the perfect childhood summer, where others are dark sounding electronica that epitomise the disillusion of a dream. Stand out tracks that show this contrast brilliantly are the great ‘Dreams and Go’; a beautifully made piece of electro that builds up and has a beat and melody that instantly makes you think of summer. Another is the Kraftwork-style track ‘Driving Myself Alone’, with it’s menacing synth sound and deep voice that could be the soundtrack to a nightmarish dream.

Fernando Lagrca is a prolific artist and musician and has produced a really interesting album that is an exciting addition to his creative portfolio.