francisco lópez
Francisco López has often used mechanical sounds as source materials, but never so exclusively or explicitly as he does on this collection of recent works. The first piece, "Klokken", is almost shocking in its transparency. It's a montage of clock sounds, nothing more, nothing less, but its sonic clarity is spellbinding considering the complexity of the soundworld it conjures - the layers seem to go on forever. As always with López, the structural deftness of the work allows the listener contemplative room for manoeuvre; it's difficult not to get all metaphysical and start musing on the elasticity of time once you're held in the piece's thrall. "Labs", "Fabrikas", and "Fahrstuhle" are based on sounds from laboratories, factories and elevators respectively; rather than zooming in on the mechanisms themselves, López seems more interested in exploring the resonances they generate in their respective locations.
machines
(eeaoa030) 2xCD
Elevator Bath is extremely pleased to present this new double CD set of thematically-linked works from Francisco López, still unquestionably one of the major figures of contemporary experimental music. Machines collects four pieces recorded from 2004-2007, each of which is based upon sounds of machinery (clocks, elevators, and various laboratory and factory equipment) gathered, respectively, in Amsterdam, Leipzig, Barcelona, and Riga.
Yes, these compositions are permeated by an “industrial” sound, but these are very subtle arrangements, even with a wide dynamic scope and with silence playing a lesser role than in much of López’ output. There is a strong rhythmic presence in these recordings, heavy with the weight of machinery. Thick sounds held in crisp clarity.
Blindfold or no, Machines offers an involving listening experience, drawing the listener deep into the various locales of its sources. And with a running time of more than two and a half hours, this is a substantial and important addition to the world of absolute concrete music by one of the most distinguished and distinctive artists in the field.
Packaged inside an elegant printed sleeve with a fold-out insert featuring color photography by the composer. Printed with soy-based ink on 100% recycled paper. This double compact disc set has been issued in an edition of 500 copies.
Track list:
CD1
CD2
- Keith Moliné, The Wire
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