The Observer Effect
Phonometrograph, 2026
9/10
The inimitable artist Meredith Bates is joined by some guests for more than 2 hours of sounds that embrace texture, tone, cohesion, and dissolution, dissonance and euphony.
The Observer Effect Book 1- Casting opens with the field recordings and light buzzing of the soothing “Incantation”, and it isn’t long until “Love” welcomes Chris Gestrin’s synthesizer to the warm strings from Bates that radiates much emotion and care.
This portion ends with “Memory”, where 30+ minutes float by with chilling electronics thanks to Scott Morgan that draws us into the distinct ambience, while The Observer Effect Book II- Evocation leads with “Infatuation”, where Bates’ strings and electronics simmer with a cinematic quality of mystery.
“Incantation (Binding)” exits, and recruits Curtis Andrews’ percussion amid the meticulous strings and an engaging atmosphere that’s both pensive and experimental.
A truly detailed effort that employs tension, intimacy and artistic impressions, those with an ear for the unconventional will appreciate the electronic, indie, improve and jazz hybrid.
Travels well with: Meredith Bates- Tesseract; Nick Fraser- Areas