Do you know what they use to create their music?

*shrugs* Probably some old analog synth or something

of course there's probably a Nord somewhere in the mix.

for some strange reason, I highly doubt it. For the next album, possibly, but I just don't see BOC using one. I see them to be more of an oldie type since their programming isn't really that difficult.

It's not complex but a catchy melody is as difficult to write as it always has been.

i think they've filtered a Nord a few times. ive often thought ROYGBIV utilized one, but i know what you mean. i agree with the inference that they use a sort of analog synth. ...this would exclude Geogaddi though in my opinion.

i actually think one of them plays a bass on a few tracks... the first half of kaini industries is a bass solo... aquarius sounds like its got a real bass line instead of a synth... i'm sure there are more examples of more traditional insturments but i can't think of any at the moment

What does the complexity of their programming have to do with them using a Nord or not?

Interesting little piece I found online:

Few bands have managed to conjure the same amount of enigma and conspiracy. They have only participated in a rare few tours, and infrequently do interviews or public appearances. Marcus and Michael enjoy their privacy and the quiet life rural Scotland affords them, but do instigate on some occasion (unknowingly or not) the perception of themselves as an enigma. They have both expressed a strong interest in the power of subliminal messaging ; their work seems rife with cryptic messages. No doubt, the sheer amount of data that can be found within not only the scattered vocal samples, but the mathematical timing of beat structures, song titles, colours, cover art, and track lengths do nothing to quell the suspicions of the conspiracy theorists.

Indeed, some have dispensed with listening to the music at all, saying that they are positive the band is trying to brainwash a group of people for unknown motivations, showings stacks of references to David Koresh, and occult symbols as proof. Others approach these facts from the skeptical angle, saying it is nothing but a bunch of cute tricks, and a bit of an ironic gesture towards people who take such things seriously (and some would say, as a bit of a similar gesture towards their own body of work in later releases, such as Geogaddi.)

Controversies aside, Boards of Canada remains one of the most influential, and well known IDM acts to this day, retaining an extremely loyal base of admirers, and inspiring electronic artists with their sounds.

Some confirmed masked, backwards or otherwise obscured messages in Boards of Canada tracks:

* "Sixtyniner" -- Midway through the song, a monologue from a porn film can be heard, detailing a young man's experience losing his virginity. The vocals are very faint and may be difficult to pick up if one's listening equipment is not configured properly.
* "An Eagle In Your Mind" -- A description of a place named "Holts" can be heard throughout the song, but it's also pretty difficult to pick up under the music.
* "Happy Cycling" -- The vocals at the end of the song are reversed. They are taken from an interview with Jeff Lynne regarding the controversy over reported reversed messages in a few of Electric Light Orchestra's songs.
* "In A Beautiful Place Out In The Country" -- The repeated distorted vocals are "Come out, and live with a religious community in a beautiful place out in the country", a slogan used in Branch Davidian recruiting videos.
* "1969" -- The repeated highly distorted vocals are "Although not a follower of David Koresh, she's a devoted Branch Davidian", ostensibly regarding Amo Bishop Roden (who has a separate BoC song named for her), a principal Davidian.
* "Alpha and Omega" -- Reversed vocals towards the end: "I'm a God-darned Satanist, and, if I wanted, I'd be in [t]his business too"
* "The Devil is in the Details" -- The vocals throughout the entire track are muffled, through use of effect processors. They appear to be instructions from a meditation or self-help advice session.
* "You Could Feel the Sky" -- The phrase "the god with horns" is audible at several points throughout the track.

thanks Seba. this is fantastic. i forgot about that site.