Alex Paxton's latest album release - "Candyfolk Space Drum" - has received a wall of praise from the press, drawing on groove, electronic music, jazz and the everyday music-making of children and adults.
The music was recorded by London Sinfonietta, Children’s Chorus of The Belham Primary School (conducted by Aga Serugo-Lugo), Riot Ensemble, Dreammusics Symphony Orchestra, Jennifer Walshe, Zubin Kanga and David Ingamells.
“Best albums to listen to this month...Paxton’s music is instantly recognisable — jolly, anarchic...swirling sonic spectacle...delightful...carnival”
Geoff Brown, The Times
“…blasts, laughs and hums with energy...shining with optimism joyful...bonkers and highly energetic album – just like children spilling outside to play.”
Anne Templer, BBC Music Magazine****
“Bringing a whole new meaning to maximalism, this music is a critics dream and nightmare...
"a hyper abundance of images sprouts from every intricate splice... ever-entrancing...It compels written description only to overwhelm it...Everything seems at Paxton’s disposal, and everything is utilised... a plethora of electronic flora and fauna...intensely social music...mash together art music, community singing, groove, and everyday sonic environments heard on the radio, in the street, in films and online...video game obsessiveness...beautiful...capable of real tenderness...moments of sublime sweetness...not one to ignore”
Gabriel Bristow, The Wire
“…hyperactive, whimsical, jazz-inspired parties-in-sound...Variety remains the spice of his life...endearing singing primary school children...electronic sounds and symphony orchestra...characterised by Paxton’s restless invention and cartoonish energy and wit....young voices of Belham Primary School bring...charming, down to earth...the heroes of this album...Jennifer Walshe gives an impassioned performance...which has an anarchic freedom”
Bernard Hughes, The Arts Desk
“A sonic extravaganza. carefully crafted music that has the energy & engagement of a communal jam session...Inspired by sample culture, cartoons and the fragmented listening experience of the internet and 90’s pirate radio adverts, the music channels dance music energy... something orgasmic about the textures...childish glee, a love of creating sounds for their own sake...a superb energy and hyperactive effervescence that the feel is a group of musicians jamming over a groove. And having a great time doing so”
Robert Hugill, Planet Hugill
“…outrageously insane, brilliantly inspired... wild imagination... carefully orchestrated...a roller coaster, without the anticipation of the first big drop because you cut straight to that big drop”
Cultural Attaché
“An exuberant wonderwork infused with dance music, electronic music, jazz and a children’s choir, inspired by cartoons, pirate radio ads, internet age fragmentation.”
Silent Radio
“…technicolour bamboozlery ...an absolute blast...rich and fluent...there is nothing else that sounds like his music...pleasing and original...Paxton to the forefront position he now occupies in British and European music...laudably populist.”
Paul Rutherford Johnson
Listen to the album here on Spotify.
