Dusted Down: Norken – Our Memories of Winter

A second look at this chilly seasonal classic from Lee Norris’ most celebrated project

Norken – Our Memories of Winter (Hydrogen Dukebox)

To mark its 20th anniversary, Lee Norris’ seminal work as Norken, Our Memories Of Winter, receives a well-deserved reissue. Known for his versatility under aliases like Metamatics (electro and IDM), Nacht Plank (ambient), and Autumn Of Communion (collaborative ambient), Norken stands apart as his most revered project. This album is a masterclass in deep, minimalist house, weaving warm pads, subtle grooves and delicate melodies into a wistful, introspective narrative. Shades of ambient techno seep through, making each piece feel timeless and transcendent. Norken’s ability to conjure a sense of place—cold yet comforting—is what elevates Our Memories Of Winter beyond mere deep house.

Inspired by trailblazers like Brian Eno and Tangerine Dream, Lee Norris’s formative years were steeped in the sounds of Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk and Gary Numan. By 1991, Norris began experimenting with music equipment, channeling his love for ambient, electro and soulful electronic music into his burgeoning craft. The early 90s IDM scene profoundly shaped Norris’ style. His meticulous dedication to refining his production paid off with his 1997 debut as Norken with ‘Southern Soul’.

Though its initial reception was muted due to label complications, the track eventually gained recognition as a quintessential deep house gem. With its warm, quasi-summer feel and dreamy fusion of Detroit-inspired techno and electronica, it  captured the essence of a futuristic night drive. Norris’ ability to draw emotion from machines—what he calls “the sound of machines crying”—is central to his artistry. This philosophy, deeply influenced by his connection to nature and admiration for soulful North American electronics, permeates all his work.

Our Memories Of Winter showcases Lee Norris’ mastery as Norken, weaving a delicate tapestry of deep house, ambient and IDM across an album that still resonates two decades later. Each track embodies a unique mood, balancing colder, introspective tones with moments of warmth and uplift.

‘Memories’ opens with icy beats and melancholy melodies, delivering a soulful chill that gives you a taste of what’s to come. ‘It Might Have Been Rain’ adds a whimsical, futuristic edge, driven by sweeping melodic pads and Norken’s signature shuffle rhythm. ‘Eastern Soul’ pays homage to Norris’ debut track as Norken, blending urban influences, lounge vibes and airy atmospheres with light jazz notes for a sophisticated, poignant experience. ‘Ty Canol’ highlights Norris’ knack for cinematic composition, with cascading orchestral strings overlaid on a laid-back IDM beat, a timeless soundscape.

‘Df23’ juxtaposes deep, flowing melodies with jittery, mechanical beats and well-placed piano notes, creating a quintessential Detroit-inspired gem. Not all tracks linger in the cold. ‘Folio’ offers an uplifting melody with a brighter outlook, its emotional core pulsing with optimism. Meanwhile, ‘Flirt’ and ‘Nights Mixture 2’ pick up the tempo, delivering space-age flights that energise the album’s mid-tempo flow.

Our Memories Of Winter is a hauntingly beautiful album that encapsulates the melancholy and beauty of the winter season. Norken’s delicate piano melodies and icy synths evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and longing, making it an ideal soundtrack for cold, snowy nights. With every note, Norris indeed made the machines cry, weaving timeless sounds that remain fresh and evocative 20 years on—a masterful blend of introspection and soulful electronica.

Tim Humphrey

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