Hinterlands
New Focus, 2026
9/10
The inimitable composer David Bird tackles themes of technology and its impact on our world in both music and beyond, where each of the 4 selections present host a different line up.
The title track opens with ambience, as lovemusic’s contributions provide mystery and a sonic allure thanks to Emiliano Gavito (flute), Adam Starkie (clarinet), Sophie Wahlmüller (viola), Christian Lozano (electric guitar), and Finbar Hosie (electronics).
In the middle, “Ambient Machine” leads with dense waves via Ben Roidl-Ward’s bassoon and Isidora Nojkovic’s cello that nearly sounds mechanical, while “Chroma” enlists the the Grossman Ensemble for the emphasis on timbre in a busy yet precise display of overtone-based exploration.
“American City” exits, and unfolds across 3 segments thanks to the Mivos Quartet, where Olivia De Prato (violin), Maya Bennardo (violin), Victor Lowrie Tafoya (viola), and Nathan Watts (cello) blend their talents into commentary on the psychological effects of technology.
A meticulous effort of challenging, fantasy and sci-fi influenced ideas, Bird’s vision dissects the human experience in a shifting environment with plenty of attention to the contemporary classical mood that’s quite atypical.
Travels well with: Noah Meites- Counting; Ann DuHamel- Prayers For A Feverish Planet: New Music About Climate Change, Vol. 1