1st Base Runner is the ambient electronic project of Austin, USA-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Tim Husmann. A familiar face on our blog now, we’ve been featuring his music since May this year, and have already shared one of his EPs, Light Roars, over the Summer. His latest EP, the fifth in two years, is called Night Stalker.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Heather Gildroy
Night Stalker is a dark collection of four tracks that feel incredibly immersive. The EP opens with the retro synth and echoing strings of In The Neighborhood. Tim’s vocals come in, chilled but emotive. I found myself listening intently to every syllable he sang. It’s a strong and atmospheric start.
Dark Drive Through The Canyon comes next. It’s post-rock akin to Godspeed You Black Emperor! with eerie looped melodies and an expansive arrangement. The music itself paints a vivid picture but, for added measure, the track comes with a music video directed by legendary Radiohead collaborator Dilly Gent of Son&Heir Productions. You can check out the video below.
Title track Night Stalker is somewhat lighter, but with this collection that’s not saying a whole lot. Delicate electronic textures swill among relentless bass notes and spoken word vocals. A percussive groove enters and I found myself nodding along. It’s a definite highlight.
The EP closes with The Serpent and Space. It’s ethereal, and Tim’s vocals take on a compelling, pleading quality. It’s dirge-like and its melancholia is completely hypnotic. It’s a finale that pushes musical boundaries in all the right ways.
1st Base Runner shows no let up with his prolific release schedule but incredibly it doesn’t come with a sacrifice to quality. Night Stalker is an EP that shows another side of his sound and is yet more proof of how exciting a prospect he is in the underground indie electronic scene. If you like Radiohead, M83 or the aforementioned Godspeed You Black Emperor! then you have to listen to this EP. You can check it out below.