www.room40.org
“Hear is the blessed union of Hannes Strobl (bass), Toshimaru Nakamura (no-input mixing board) and Tony Buck (drums). Individually recognised and indeed revered for a range of solo and group activities, this trio’s debut undertaking ‘5 Pieces’ is a work that is powerful yet poignant. ” Room 40’s very apt description of the piece says it all, and for three artists that I am barely familiar with, this could very easily be a continuation of Vorfeld and Samartzis’ Scheckenrock CD I have just reviewed. Given that both of those artists have also released on Room 40, this becomes a significant milestone for a renewed interest in electro-acoustic improvisation. As on Scheckenrock, one can witness the uncoventional utilisation of intruments as strings are delicately grazed, and abrasive, metallic clicks and clanks can be discerned amongst an uneasy murk of interventions ranging from electronic twitterings and screeches, to astringent percussive events. If anything, Hear is more minimal in approach, and silences become integral to the overall composition, with most of the spare, enigmatic incidentals revolving around Strobl’s resonant upright electric bass. Hear is a work of dark, eerie presences, and for fans of improv, this will be an essential addition to your collection. BGN
About whiteline1
WHITE_LINE was set up three years ago, in order to play and promote the work of artists and musicians working under the banner of "minimalism", in all its many guises. This has led to a regular and highly successful mix slot on the Garden of Earthly Delights radio show in the UK, and guest appearances on Resonance FM (frequenzen show). We now aim to extend the remit of the mix slots by reviewing (as often as possible) material that encapsulates and crystallises the minimalist ethic, and hopefully we'll be leading artists and audiences alike towards a deeper appreciation of this and other marginalised genres. I welcome your comments, and criticisms, and would love to hear from labels and artists who would like their work showcased on the show, or reviewed here. We regret that due to time constraints, we cannot review everything that is sent to us, but will endeavour to give exceptional work an "honourable mention" at the very least, and links to quality sites that we think worthy of mentioning.
I am trying to support labels and artists as much as possible by promoting their work, not least because I am a stereotypical "struggling artist" myself, but also because there are so few younger artists entering this particular scene, and there is a danger of it becoming the sole domain of a handful of forty somethings who really ought to be doing something better with their time!
Having worked for most of the more reputable underground magazines in the early 90's, I was never afforded the luxury of taking time and care over reviews, as deadlines and column space were always hanging like the sword of Damocles over me. With WHITE_LINE, I have the luxury of being able to review when I have time, and I am receptive to a particular mood, and hopefully this will reflect in the quality and length of some of the reviews. If you like what you see, please link to me to encourage more traffic through the site, and cross promote whatever is happening out there.
Address for promotional material:
45 Drovers Walk
Spring Park, Kingsthorpe
Northampton
NN2 8BB
UK
WHITE_LINE - promoting minimalism internationally 