Eastman
People Places Records, 2023
9/10
The guitarist and composer Emmanuel Jacob Lacopo interprets the work of Julius Eastman, where the role of the guitar in classical music is examined with Amelya N.S.H.’s production, mixing and mastering really illuminating the classical and electric guitars.
“Buddha v.1” opens the listen with a warm minimalism, where a chilling ambience surrounds the cinematic swells, and “Buddha v.2” follows with a darker approach of dreamy guitar manipulation and strong attention to mood that is quite captivating.
The middle tracks, “Buddha v.3” and “Buddha v.4”, continue the creativity, where the former drones with a bright demeanor of tension, and the latter is colorful, pretty and radiates much culture via the meticulous guitar playing.
“Gay Guerrilla” exits the tonally distinct listen, where repetition is used strategically in a hazy fashion, and post-rock nods enter a very hypnotic, gripping landscape.
A very artistic effort that utilizes space and is full of fascinating techniques, Lacopo certainly retains the spirit of Eastman’s vision, but also injects an avant-garde approach to harmony and melody that’s stunning.
Travels well with: Warp Trio- Warp Trio’s Pandemic Disco Fantasy: An Laurence- Almost Touching