Sometimes reviewing a release isn't an easy task. Instead it's even quite difficult. For the release by Shinkei & FOURM this is how it goes. Not because it's extreme weird music that can't be described, that's not it at all. No, this release is hard to describe because both musicians play very soft music, that while I live in the always noisy city of Amsterdam. The first time I listened this I heard as much sound from outside as was coming from my speakers (at moderate volume). Time to get my headphones out for this one.
There is not much information about Shinkei available on his website, either myspace or his label Koyuki, but what we learn is that he wants to explore borders of audible sounds. Recordings of falling snow on the microphone, field recordings from open windows, distant streets. That's the thing he seems to dig.
For his contribution Hidamari for this split release he uses field recordings from the city and nature. The sounds of people on a market or some other public place are delicately mixed with recordings of wind, water and birds.
The sounds are sometimes subtle processed and mixed forming crystal clear glitches.
The result of this whole recording turns into a cinematic travel through dreamy places of sound.
About FOURM it is much easier to find information. This is the project of Baz Nichols who also runs the label WHITE_LINE.
Nichols also has a huge fascination for silence. Another inspiration source for his music comes from architecture. With his music he tries to sculpture as an architect does on paper. The recordings stand as buildings.
With the contribution Metrics for this split you directly notice the difference in approach with Shinkei. In this piece there is much more room for drones. It could be these are field recordings done in empty buildings, but at the same time these could all be computer generated.
What amazes me is that indeed the music reminds me of (modern) architecture.
What comes to mind is of an art museum, with one really organic, full of green (grass color) painting surrounded by only abstract pieces. This piece is for me the organic painting combined with the abstract ones.
Both musicians present a lovely piece that shows very well what they are into. I am not sure if I would like to hear music like this on a release of an hour, but because of the way it is brought here it is just right.
Recommended for headphones listening. |
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