Cochrane, full name Cochrane McMillan, is a California, USA-based producer, composer, musician and artist.

By Graeme Smith

He’s just come to my attention for the first time through the release of his second album, Lagerstätte. It follows last year’s debut Sounds Like Science.

Cochrane describes Lagerstätte as being more accessible than his first, but there’s still plenty of experimentation on display. The album is only four tracks long but runs for over thirty minutes, meaning each track is a long, ponderous effort, with plenty to get lost in.

The album opens with The Roiling Cells which features Erik Deutsch. A simmering, atmospheric intro eases us into things, providing plenty of intrigue as to what is to come. Bubbling, jazz notes feel disparate before coming together to create a waltzing, cosmic arrangement that’s truly hypnotic.

The cast, the muse sees Cochrane teaming up with Mason Perrett and gives us a moodier moment. Dark lo-fi slowly develops into cosmic electronica as the track progresses before ending big with a textured finish. Future Name brings back Erik Deutsch and adds the talents of Davey Diamonds Odell to deliver a driving groove and prog rock edge.

The album ends with Dad Song. Robert Cheek joins Cochrane to close things with perhaps the most boundary-pushing moment of the record. Opening jazzy and ambient, it gradually builds in complexity before reaching its full, otherworldly, cinematic stride.

Cochrane’s new album is an exciting one for anyone who like their music on the different side. Each of its four tracks tells a story in their own right, and come together to create something truly out of this world. It’s a testament to what can be created when one takes their time over their art. It’s simply a beauty to behold.

Lagerstätte is out now and you can check it out below.