On "Sonorine", My Fun (aka Justin Hardison) constructs lush soundscapes by mixing together field recordings with tonal music in a manner that evokes the Fennesz/Eno end of the spectrum though in its better moments, a sandpaper-y harshness infiltrates the proceedings, lending a much-needed granularity.
As a rule, the two general elements exist in equal balance though they vary in the particulars. On the natural sound side, one hears birds (roosters even!), insects, human chatter, industrial sounds, etc. while the "musical" aspect tends to dwell in the drones seeming to derive from organs, zithers and guitars. The lushness can veer toward the cloying on tracks like "Radiant" (with its reversed tapes) or the closing "Anchor" where the Laraaji-like echoing zither bleeds into both electronic and natural atmospherics in a slightly sticky manner. But when Hardison reins in the ear-candy, he can generate some strong sonic images, tinged with a slightly dystopian vision. This occurs on the sharpest, richest cut, "Setting Fires". It's much less insistent than most of the other pieces, opening with soft electric piano over faraway ambient sounds. Little by little, various elements creep in, a buzz here a bang there, gradually forming a fine tapestry where no particular sound predominates. By the time some mumbled conversation appears, a subtle silvery drone has emerged, gently propelling the piece forward. Toward the end of the work, the drone suddenly suspends, but the remaining crackle retains enough momentum to continue on, locating some surprising ballroom piano that fades in and out like a weak radio transmission, a lovely effect.
"Sonorine" should be of interest to listeners who enjoy the softer side of Fennesz. Those looking for grittier fare will have their appetites whetted by "Setting Fires" as well as portions of other pieces and might hope for more in this direction from Hardison in the future.
Comments and Feedback:
|
