What: “Allusions to Fogs & Liquids” by Daniel Barbiero
Netlabel: Treetrunk Records/Complex Silence Series
This post is sort of variations on previous themes: I am revisiting an artist and netlabel I’ve discussed before; Daniel Barbiero has a new (July 2013) release on Treetrunk Records. Last year Treetrunk released some music by Daniel Barbiero and Chris Videll which I really liked. This time, Treetrunk’s Complex Silence Series has released some new solo material by Daniel; two longer tracks featuring prepared and processed double bass and it is (again) highly recommended.
The title track “Allusions to Fogs & Liquids” features slightly distorted/echoed double bass over a constant gentle wash of sound in the background which suggests the ocean or rain. The music moves at a slow, almost languid pace. There are a few quick dialogue samples that appear briefly about one-third of the way through, but the bass sound is clearly the feature here.
Daniel says this music “represents a type of music concerned with sound as something in itself, a material externality. But it can’t help but carry associations. Here the listener takes over from the composer/performer.” While you may be able to say that about much music, it is highly evident here. At times as I have listened I find it relaxing; other time slightly ominous. It could be foghorns distorted over a night sea (as at least partially suggested by the title of the music), or incidental music to a film noir. You may hear something else completely when you listen.
The second track, “Phase Transformation in Ethers,” is a bit of a shock at first: more harsh, much more distorted, the music sweeping back and forth in your earphones. This piece relies more on industrial-type sounds than the natural musicality of the bass itself. The treated double bass and processing of the sound is very evident here. Several times the music seems to start to settle down a bit, but it never quite allows you to relax. David Lynch may be calling after hearing this one.
I also appreciate the thoughtfulness Daniel puts into titles and the descriptions of his music as it challenges me to seek out other information to see how it all may fit together. Last time it was “Kordylewski clouds.” This time he quotes Robert Boyle; a 17th century scientist (although that description sells him a bit short). He is considered one of the founders of modern chemistry and the modern experimental method, and was a leading intellectual figure of his time. Some of Boyle’s theory on air and gasses seems to have been an inspiration here. A quote of his concerning the latent qualities of air leads Daniel to suggest “As with air, so with sound.” Indeed.