Dreaming In Gamelan
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
The multi-instrumentalists Bill Brennan and Andy McNeill are joined by Hugh Marsh’s violin for these 10 worldly songs whose inception goes back to 2001 when the filmmaker Carol Moore-Ede wanted to use gamelan for her documentary Surgeons Of The Future.
“Tunnels Of Light” starts the listen with warm percussive sounds unfolding with mystery and eloquence, and the title track follows with a dreamy component that pays close attention to atmosphere.
“Cloud Forest” arrives at the halfway point and uses minimalism strategically amid the charming tonality, while “Journey Ahead” emits a distinct droning that’s soft and ambient.
“Three Paths” and “Reverie” exit the listen. The former weaves in and out of cinematic ideas that make great use of Brennan’s vibraphone, and the latter spends 10+ minutes mesmerizing us with its chilling electronics and gentle instrumentation.
You can tell a lot of work went into this album, where rich textures and the distinct atmospherics inherent to gamelan radiates delicacy and a sparseness that’s quite engaging.
Travels well with: Stef.In- Icterus II; Nick Storring- Mirante