Passages XXXIII-XLIII
Bad Channels, 2026
9/10
Listen to Passages XXXIII-XLIII
This 37th release from Modern Silent Cinema sees the multi-instrumentalist and composer Cullen B. Gallagher fleshing out post-modern, lo-fi classical sounds via piano, bass and guitar.
“Passage XXXIII” opens with the mesmerizing and bright keys making for an inviting climate of warmth, and “Passage XXXIV” follows with the dense bass and radiant piano creating mystery amid much atmosphere.
In the middle, “Passage XXXVII” showcases Gallagher’s meticulous guitar playing that gets a bit busy and rock fueled, while “Passage XXXIX” takes that a step further with thicker waves of cinematic qualities.
Residing near the end, “Passage XLIII” meshes the soft keys with ambient guitar and a backdrop of strategic droning, and “(House)” exits with what seems like field recordings and a toy that only enhance the intrigue of this atypical effort.
This installment was tracked in Gallagher’s old family home during his mother’s hospital stay (mom did the cover art), and it represents solitude and isolation. The experience provided the impetus for this avant-garde and neo-classical journey that meshes noise with sophistication like few others could.
Travels well with: Steve Carface- Familiar Traps; Demoted- Shit For Brains