Wednesday, 5 August 2009

ISNAJ DUI – LONG DIVISION WITH REMAINDERS EP VERSION 5 (FRONT AND FOLLOW)


ISNAJ DUI – LONG DIVISION WITH REMAINDERS EP VERSION 5 (FRONT AND FOLLOW)

Described as standing somewhere between “neo-impressionism and electronica”, Isnaj Dui is the vehicle of Katie English who is a classically train flautist experimenting with new music forms and techniques while retaining an appreciation for the tradition of the form and craft.  Her sounds are made from manipulated flutes and homemade instruments to form unique sonic assertions.

A regular question I find myself thinking while listening to these workings is: was the menace already there when they are started or are these acts of being sinister.

The latest version/take of the first track is subtly expansive and could almost be used to suggest that there are other life forms out there making music and making busy.

As things progress so does the anxiety as the second track begins with the kind of excruciating shard of white noise only broken televisions seem able to make.  Then things motion further old school with the reappearance of dot matrix rhythms and a crushing sonic blow in general.  My ears thank the author for keeping it under two minutes.

The following four minutes add another hazy degree to proceedings as the echoing flute soars through proceedings and other a new day rising sensibility before the heaviness of an equally distorted wind instrument adds a gnarly heartbeat and pulse to the ensuing activity.  Then you notice the cowbell and the suggestion of an invader, an alien presence.  Within minutes life has moved from optimistic to pessimistic in a groaning fashion.  That was not polite.

It all closes in dizzying fashion with a hectic stance and subtle stampede.  The contradictions of this version feel like they’re never going to end.

Thesaurus moment: paradoxical.

Front And Follow

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