Chime Hours

Released in 2016 on Black Acre, Chime Hours represents a significant refinement of William Yates's (Memotone) ability to fuse disparate sonic elements into a cohesive, atmospheric whole. The title refers to the folklore belief that those born during the 'chime hours' can see spirits, a fitting metaphor for the album's ghostly, translucent quality. Yates utilizes his multi-instrumental background - specifically his proficiency with the clarinet and piano - to ground the electronic elements in a tangible, organic reality. The production is characterized by a 'dusty' aesthetic, achieved through the heavy use of field recordings and analog processing that suggests a sense of age and decay. Critically, the album was noted for its unique position within the 'folk horror' electronic subgenre, moving away from the dancefloor-centric roots of the label toward a more cinematic and experimental modern classical sound. It remains a standout in his catalog for its consistent mood and narrative depth.