Monday, August 24, 2009

Fabio Orsi & Seaworthy

Read my entire review on The Silent Ballet

An epic understatement expressed through blissful drones, Near and Faraway is a collaborative album between Italian sound-sculptor Fabio Orsi and Australian ambient artist Seaworthy (Cameron Webb). For this release, the artists each composed their own piece and then worked together for a third, yielding gorgeously earnest results that can invoke the smell of wet grass in outer space.

With each track clocking in at over fifteen minutes, there is plenty of space to settle into. If you're not in dream-drone heaven then you probably are of the darker drone persuasion. This release really hits the spot and is a sleeper hit for ambient record of the year. Definitely recommended for fans of Stars of the LidHammock, and all things wide open and sweet.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Rocketnumbernine - You Reflect Me

Read my entire review on The Silent Ballet

Headphones give the impression that Rocketnumbernine are playing inside a room in the back of your skull. The music sounds very close, with the room noise keeping things intimate and raw. Even the tape hiss is played with at times, lifting veils in the process. Many of the songs feel very warm, even though there isn't a load of melody to speak of. The drummer is a supreme talent, giving all the science a strong foundation. If you like experimental music and you like good drumming, I don't think you're going to find too many records that satisfy like this one.