The idea of abstract electronics usually conjures up notions of extremity and bodes for a difficult listening experience, though Western Australian Matt Rosner’s debut release for Lawence English’s excellent Room40 label is anything but. Rosner possess a unique ability to marry experimentation and listenability, creating a gorgeous subdued mood on Alluvial, a calm and quite gentle series of sound scapes that are imbued with a restrained sense of excitement, thanks to the strange palette and the knowledge that anything is possible. With much of his material coming from organic instruments such as guitar, percussion and analogue electronics, Rosner then processes these materials digitally, utilizing small fragments of his sounds and rearranging them into more gentle electronic configurations. There is a warmth to his sounds that belies the degree of processing and despite their careful arrangement, the structures are such that it is difficult to consciously determine exactly how he’s put things together. Many of the pieces seem to be flowing along gently almost of their own accord as Rosner allows these amazing sound pieces to seductively wash over the listener. There are links to the delicacies of Susumu Yokota, though similarly subdued, Rosner is coming from a more experimental, less dance orientated approach and consequently the pieces feel much stronger and more evocative. Experimental music has never been so seductive and soothing, Alluvial is definitely something special.
Bob Baker Fish
|
