Music From Seamus, Vol. 32
New Focus, 2023
8/10
Listen to Music From Seamus, Vol. 32
The Society for Electro-Acoustic Music of the United States (SEAMUS) returns with more of their experimental, electronic prowess where 7 atypical pieces unfold with plenty of exploration.
Kristopher Bendrick’s “progressively smaller TVs” opens the listen with Molly Hodson’s talking and wordless singing, flute and piano alongside Bendrick’s electronics for a very unpredictable display of sound manipulation that’s constantly shifting in tone, and “Flowering Dandelion”, by Kyong Mee Choi, follows with Sarah Plum’s moody violin and Choi’s electronics creating a haunting, cinematic demeanor.
In the middle, Lisa Renée Coons’ “Chimera’s Garden” pairs Shanna Pranaitis’ alto flute with Coons’ glitchy electronics for the sci-fi friendly exploration, while Robert McClure’s “Bloom” utilizes Justin Snyder’s dense keys against McClure’s orthodox electronics for the thick and rich delivery.
The final track, “Where Water Meets Memory”, by Eli Stine, uses the sounds of water amid background voices for a very soothing, mesmerizing finish to a fascinating listen.
Another very original outing from a collective that’s been active since 1984, SEAMUS again blends organic versus synthetic ideas into an inimitable formula that you can’t help but admire.
Travels well with: Lee Weisert- Recesses; Olivia De Prato- Panorama