In his latest studio album, the British producer demonstrates a profound admiration for PC Music across three distinct discs that honour the past while also looking ahead to the future.
Split into Past, Present, and Future, Cook’s new release provides a thoughtful exploration of the development of his sound while staying true to his original vision. Instead of being a mere collection of greatest hits, the album serves as a complex and intricate guide through Cook’s musical inclinations and fixations, reinterpreting the allure of PC Music in seven tracks that evoke both nostalgia and innovation.
PC Music diehard fans will connect most with Present, which is a tribute to the label and showcases Cook’s unique production style. It explores Cook’s electronic style and is filled with the energy of PC Music’s defining sound. Tracks like You Know Me and Prismatic blend past sounds to create a vibrant reflection of hyperpop. The album is a celebration of the buzz and bass thump of that era, while also delving into the paradox of nostalgia in modern pop music. The second disc, Present, delves into a more traditional Britpop sound, moving past the decline of hyperpop to embrace a re-birthed, vocal-focused direction. The songs on this disc reflect a fusion of nostalgic charm from the first disc and the forward-thinking approach of the third disc. For example, tracks like Greatly transcend back to the vibrant colours of hyperpop’s roots, while Without pays homage to the late SOPHIE by intertwining her lyrics //I can make you feel better, if you want to// from her ethereal track BIPP, with Cook’s heartfelt reflections //An emptiness, a silhouette – I never guessed the loudest sounds are hollow// showcasing the everlasting impact of her music.
In his final act, Future, He reinterprets the concept of Britishness and what it means in music. The track Soulbreaker, was originally a demo for one of his earlier EP’s, Apple. He re-birthed the track and made it a blend of classic power ballad, EDM, and classical piano. The album emphasises continuity and evolution by highlighting the fact that many of these songs have had their own existence before.
Disc 2 of the album truly captures the essence of the Britpop era, with Cook venturing away from his typical style to incorporate subtle harmonies and powerful electric guitar in songs like Green Man and Bewitched. Although Charli XCX is featured on the title track of Disc 1, it’s on Disc 2 where the unmistakable musical nods to the ’90s Britpop movement are most prevalent, showcasing Cook’s modern take on the genre.
Despite the title track feature, Charli XCX’s prominent presence is on Britpop’s final disc, Future, where she collaborates with Addison Rae on Lucifer. The inclusion of the duo, as seen in Cook’s remix of Charli’s lead single Von Dutch, conveys the producer’s vision for a post-PC future.
All tracks produced by A.G. COOK // Mixed by A.G. COOK, Alex Evans & Geoff Swan // Mastered by Robin Schmidt // Artwork by Timothy Luke // Photos by Sinna Nasseri.
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