Negative Space by Thomas MacMillan
Inspired by the horror novel of the same name by B.R. Yeager, "Negative Space" is an architecturally-themed deep dive into liminal spaces, analog horror, and 90s-era nostalgia. Using only the nylon-strung acoustic guitar, it evokes imaginary places that both comfort and unsettle in equal measure, taking as its cue the ambient "fogcore" music of Akira Yamaoka (composer for the Silent Hill video game franchise). A unique guitar tuning (Eb G D F A E) is used to create harmony that twists and turns - frequently wrongfooting the listener - in combination with rhythms that feel unstable and volatile. Such unpredictability is offset by strong melodies which provide a more optimistic counterweight to the EP's heavy and dramatic tone.
Tracklist
| 1. | Labyrinth | 2:20 |
| 2. | Penrose Stairwell | 2:24 |
| 3. | Negative Space | 2:52 |
| 4. | Paternoster | 2:49 |
| 5. | Underwater Level | 2:32 |
| 6. | Dance Hall | 2:26 |
Credits
Arranged by Thomas MacMillan.
Produced, recorded and mixed by Sam Hanlan at The Famous Gold Watch, Berlin, Germany.
Performed by Thomas MacMillan (guitar).
Mastered by Daniel Goodridge.
Artwork by Nora Amparo Bretting & Thomas MacMillan.
License
All rights reserved.
Originally from the remote Pennine region of Northern England, composer and guitarist Thomas MacMillan has been an active force in Berlin’s independent music scene since 2018.
Drawing inspiration from video game composers such as Akira Yamaoka, his forthcoming EP explores liminal spaces, analog horror, and nostalgia – a sound world that feels both comforting and quietly unsettling.