In history, there is an astronomer, a composer, a crater on Mars and one on the Moon, a supernova, even a Star Wars character. Under the moniker Tycho, Scott Hansen creates landscapes where you can imagine any of these things.
A mainstay on the Detroit-based Ghostly International label, Tycho’s most recent full-length release, “Dive,” combines a handful of previously released singles and sweeps them into a package with other similar sounds. Fans of Boards of Canada or Com Truise may find some pleasing similarities, although Tycho still stands apart with a defined style; a more organic and lighter feel than similar ambient electronic artists.
Steady beats hold a delicate balance of looping guitars and synthesizers on “Dive.” References to the ocean abound. Many of his songs even seem to mimic a wave, with slow, easy crescendos and choruses that break gently. Hansen, also a graphic designer (as ISO50), creates his albums’ artwork as well, which reflects exactly what one would envision in his music: a coastline, a dark silhouette, a sun-drenched photograph.
All photos by Chris Bay.
