anti-paysage
Neuma, 2025
9/10
The composer and theorist Thomas DeLio uses both instrumental or electroacoustic strategies that tip their hat to Morton Feldman and John Cage for these 2 discs of avant garde sounds.
“a content/of echo” opens with 15+ minutes of sounds that seem both organic and synthetic, where minimalism and space are explored, and “sound/shivering/silence” follows with Zeca Lacerda’s atypical percussion illuminating the 5 curious chapters.
Deeper into the listen, “Transparent Wave X” recruits Lisa Cella’s intriguing bass flute alongside a rare intimacy, while “sinnfäden #2” exits with 2 minutes of primarily silence, other than occasional drop of sound.
The 2nd disc offers both bare and busier ideas. “…klingend II” employs Melody Quah’s piano and Lee Hinkle’s percussion, which interact with firm and soft gestures of artistic and mysterious song craft, and “from this condensery II” arrives close to the end with Rachel E. Copeland’s soaring soprano amid the Penn State Percussion Ensemble’s meticulous presence that radiates creativity and powerful singing.
A complicated effort that pays close attention to pitch, rhythm, or isolated elements, the sonic experience and unconventional exploration is much appreciated.
Travels well with: Kyle Jones- Dualities; Drew Whiting- All In