For many, Scott Horscroft is a name associated with the studio space Big Jesus Burger in Sydney. As a part owner in the studio, Horscroft has engineered and produced countless records over the past few years. In tandem with this work, Horscroft has also been composing a range of works for guitar (and other instruments) and it’s one of these pieces that’s captured here on the accurately titled 8 Guitars. Beginning with a gentle flow of processed guitar, Horscroft’s primary concern here appears to be repetition and layering. The early sections of the piece are created with the most meagre of arrangements – he builds up and strips back the composition with a subtly that’s almost subliminal. As one guitar begins to shine though in the mix, your attention is ushered to another overtone or sound element and it’s this process of concentration and release which makes 8 Guitars engage its listener so fully. Parallel in some senses of parts of Glenn Branca’s catalogue and likewise the minimalist composers of the 60s, Horscroft never opts out for the simplistic tricks of extremes in volume or density. Rather he gently sculpts out a rich texture of sound that moves with a pace, almost like driving down the Nullarbor – the richness exists in detail rather than absolute form.
Lawrence English |
