Through The Eye(s)
Neuma, 2026
9/10
A truly unique collaboration, the composer Eliza Brown and speaking percussionist Bonnie Whiting illuminate the works of those incarcerated at the Indiana Women’s Prison.
“Calm And Storm” spotlights the text of (Coco) Bales-Malone alongside the music of Brown for a mix of soft and firm percussive gestures, and Ashley Strong’s “Nightly Storms” follows with vivid storytelling amid the bare but strategic percussion that aligns with the intensity of the tale.
“My Tunnel” and “Violent Passion” arrive in the middle. The former, by Ingrid Swinford, injects fleeting, rapid drumming with found object like tinkering, while the latter is indeed animated via Char’Dae Avery’s firm delivery, plus the lively vibes.
Close to the end, the harmonic and pretty “HER” features the music and lyrics of Lara Campbell that emits eloquence and blends spoken word further on, and “Emergence”, by Amaris Rose Bunyard and Joyce (Potter) Hawkins, enlists minimal sounds against the enlightening wordplay.
An effort that showcases the perspective of the incarcerated, the artistic motions often employs wooden blocks or file folders- object they have at their disposal- and further proves how vital human expression is, even in a setting of constraint.
Travels well with: Galan Trio- Kinesis, Vol. 3; Abby Fisher- Continuous Interior