Kiyomizudera is an impressive single track release by Los Angeles-based composer bu.re_, whose work came into my mailbox a few weeks ago. His is a rather stellar catalog, with music full of references to Brian Eno (when he was doing profoundly good ambient music), the floating parts of Tangerine Dream or Robert Rich, and a great use of acoustics.
This was a pleasure to listen to. My only quibble is that eleven minutes is far too short a time to enjoy a swim in this release.
Though I was impressed on initially hearing the track Flickering Lamp on Sven Laux’s newest release, I wondered if his record label, Archives, had mis-tagged the album. Ambient and electronic music I certainly here, IDM I certainly don’t. No dub, but definitely there is a nod to classic 1970’s electronic music albums (think Neuronium from Spain, and perhaps a more electronic-leaning Popul Vuh, sans the horrible ‘techno’ phase). The album also has a feel of this modern classical vibe I keep running across.
This album was not what I expected to hear at all. It’s damn-near perfect walking music.
One of Eilian Records’ finest releases to date, Argentine-born, Barcelona-based composer Ciro Berenguer releases a very ambient guitar album.
From Eilian’s Bandcamp page:
Ciro Berenguer is a guitarist and composer from Argentina who has lived for many years in Barcelona, Spain. He likes both traditional and nontraditional ways of playing the guitar: processing the sound through many electronic devices or playing just the guitar alone. Two facets of his playing expressed in a handful of albums and collaborations, from standard guitar music to a more experimental and improvised way of making sounds, enjoying both approaches.
I grew up with piano music in my home because my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother (a violinist by trade) were fond of the instrument. I would grow up hearing piano music, dated a pianist in Italy for a brief and stormy moment, and even here in China, I’m surrounded by it.
It pleases me to no end that piano music continues to be revolutionary.
Montreal’s Moderna Records is at the forefront of putting out the best of cinematic, minimalist piano music, and Ed Carlsen’s music has proven to be my current favorite of their bunch. For those familiar with Yann Tiersen’s music, Ed’s compositions will feel familiar. These are wispy, thought-provoking pieces which make you want to break out the blanket and coffee and sit by the window on a chilly day.
This new album is titled after Our Lord and Savior, whether you like it or not. I have no idea if Kevin Drumm, perhaps the most important American experimental musician and composer active these days is a believer, or if this is an ironic title made to slap onto a photo of a statue of Jesus, but musically, it’s a dreamy slice of ‘noise’.
Drumm never fails to deliver a great album, and in his generosity, he is offering his whole digital catalog for under $25. A worthwhile investment.
Some sad news. No, no, not a passing! Donnacha Costello, the second-finest composer based in Dublin (sorry, folks – Daniel Figgis is still number one in these parts) is taking time off from recording music.
In an act of magnanimous generosity, however, he is offering the whole of his digital back catalog for the more-than-fair price of €15.
Together is a perfectly drone-laden slice of ambient heaven, relaxing to the ear, and a fine way for Donnacha to say farewell until he is ready to grace experimental music with his return.
Gizeh Records is a very interesting label. I can’t say I adore every single release, but I have come to the realization that artists like Aidan Baker and Christine Ott will produce solid release after solid release. TABU features one of the most brilliant instruments ever designed during the 20th Century, the ondes martenot, and Ott uses it to full effect, creating soundscapes whose feel verges on the oceanic. A heavy, lovely release.
One track is all we have to work with from Norwegian composer Haav (Harald Øgaard out of Bergen, Norway), but if this is a taste of what will be coming in Spring of 2019, I’m looking forward to hearing a full album’s worth. Heavy, claustrophobic ambient. This really envelops you.
Ben Rath is an experimental musician based out of Manchester, England, who specializes in dark, foreboding minimalist compositions which leave you feel unnerved while working on blog posts at three in the morning. He makes his recordings with the use of keyboards, piano, guitar and some slight effects. Really good listening.
According to a post at Bella Union, it seems that former Talk Talk singer and composer of the most perfect album I ever owned, Mark Hollis, has passed away. More news will follow all over social media momentarily.
A heartbreaking loss.
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