Signals
Neuma, 2022
8/10
The electro-acoustic duo of David Margolin Lawson and David Merrill, as Lawson & Merrill they bring a wealth of studio and engineering skill to ‘sonic sculpture paintings’ that are highly imaginative and incredibly meticulous.
“A Morning Meditation” starts the listen with a mysterious, cinematic appeal that glows with a sonic warmth of mesmerizing ambience for 16+ minutes, and “A Day At The Beach” follows with a presence that seems like more like a day in space with its darker textures of sci-fi electronics that move at a very calm pace.
“Riviére” lands in the middle and offers a hypnotic and dreamy display of brighter, bare textures, while “Dark Angel”, perhaps the best track present, simmers amid a relaxing analog tone that’s nearly New Age in its delivery. “Coda” then exits the listen with much beauty packed into the rich, emotional finish.
The pair take inspiration from composers like Morton Subotnick, Eliane Radigue, Edgard Varése and Steve Reich, and their fascinating attention to detail and use of modern Moogs, ARPs, and vintage analog and modular noisemakers does not disappoint on this artistic endeavor.
Travels well with: Nick Vasallo- Apophany; Tyler Kline- Orchard