YCS5 by Breidablik
The “one song with one synth” challenge is a well-known concept among synth enthusiasts. Breidablik decided to take it a step further by creating a full mini album of tracks made with only one synthesizer. While modern synths are incredibly versatile and can create almost any sound imaginable, I wanted to make the task even more difficult. To do so, I chose one of the most limited synthesizers I own.
My tool of choice was my beloved vintage Yamaha CS-5 from 1979. For those familiar with electronic instruments, the CS-5 is a fully analogue, monophonic (single-voice) synthesizer with only one oscillator, one filter, one envelope, one LFO, one noise source, and not much else. Modern features like patch storage, MIDI, velocity, and aftertouch are absent, making it one of the most basic synths ever made. Despite its limitations, the CS-5 delivers a rich, fantastic sound and is incredibly fun to work with, especially when paired with some effect pedals.
It's important to note that this album is an anomaly in the Breidablik discography and does not necessarily represent the direction of future releases. As the title suggests, “YCS5” is a tribute to the Yamaha CS-5 synthesizer and serves as a way to showcase what can be achieved with such a simple instrument. The constraints of the CS-5 actually sparked creativity, and instead of pursuing another Berlin School-inspired project, I used this experimental release to explore new textures and ideas that wouldn't fit into a typical Breidablik album.
I’m pleased with the end result, and I hope listeners will find it as enjoyable as I do. More importantly, I hope it inspires others to take on a similar challenge.
Tracklist
| 1. | YCS5 | 3:01 |
| 2. | Glass | 3:48 |
| 3. | Natt I | 3:26 |
| 4. | Skrekktangel | 3:25 |
| 5. | Natt II | 4:01 |
| 6. | Vitoð ér enn, eða hvat? | 4:32 |
| 7. | Ende | 3:45 |
Credits
This album is a product of the Bergen School of Electronic Music.
Synthesizer: Yamaha CS-5
Effects: Boss RV-5, Boss RV-6, Boss DD-20, Boss OC-2, Boss CS-20, TC Electronics June-60 (V2), Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Nano, Electro Harmonix MEL-9, Digitech Polara.
Additional drums on tracks 1, 4, and 7: Arturia Spark
Controllers: Kenton Pro Solo mkII, Korg SQ-1, Arturia Keystep.
Music, performance, and mixing by Klangmajor Morten Birkeland Nielsen
Mastered by Jørgen Kirksæther/Transistor Mastering
Coverart by Morten Birkeland Nielsen/Ketil Svendsen
License
All rights reserved.
From Bergen, Norway. Signed to Apollon Records Prog,
Breidablik is Morten Birkeland Nielsen (guitars, synthesizers, and sound design), Håkon Oftung (electric guitars and flute), and Trond Gjellium (drums)
Breidablik's musical output is firmly rooted in the Berlin School of Electronic Music, but do also find inspiration in soundtracks and ambient soundscapes.