Elements
Surface World, 2023
8/10
A pair of luminaries in the area of the electronic underground, David Lee Myers and Toshimaru Nakamura come together for these experimental and gorgeous pieces that are collaborative and creative.
The feedback friendly and glitchy “Thorax” begins the listen with a hint of ominousness, and “Cantor” follows with a distinct droning of sci-fi ideas and radiating beauty under the manipulation of sound.
Further along, the initially bare “Tarmac” pulsates with a minimal gesture that, about 4 minutes in, gets fuller in scope, while “Tentacle” enters darker areas of swirling electronics and strategic noise that nearly seems like it’s being recorded under water.
Residing closer to the end, “Aureole” emits dynamic looping via much warmth, and “Umbra” exits with just over a minute of otherworldly and precise tinkering of inviting music.
Myers handles feedback matrices and modular electronics, and Nakamura brings his innotivate no-input mixing board. For fans of Éliane Radigue, Faith Coloccia, Philip Jeck’s Stardust and Laurie Spiegel, this is an absolute must. Or, if you just want to explore something atypical and progressive in the area of electronics.
Travels well with: Kee Avil- Crease; Ryan Dugré- Three Rivers