By Nick Ostrum
Inward Traces Outer Edges is the latest release from Thanos
Chrysakis and his Aural Terrains label. On it perform label stalwarts such
as Jason Alder (in an odd paring of contrabass clarinet and sopranino
saxophone) and Chrysakis himself (laptop and synth) in addition to the
British trumpeter Charlotte Keeffe and guitarist James O’Sullivan, both of
whom have been distinguishing themselves in the London and adjacent scenes
over the last several years.
From the first sounds, one notices that this is different from other
Chrysakis and Aural Terrains productions. It is busy, heavy on the buzzing
electronics and O’Sullivan’s manipulated guitar clink. Then comes the huff
and heave of Keeffe and steady bombinations of Alder, as Keeffe switches to
strained fanfares over the emerging stormy front. When composed, Chrysakis’
music seems to blend sounds, evoking dark organ music, and relying on
singular and overlapped droning for effect. Here, however, the quartet
seems driven more by quest for different currents of energy and the
potential for new sonic interactions that more open contexts such as this
allow. The music smolders with the electro-acoustic intensity of an
overgrown field at dusk. Nothing shouts too loud, but the sheer range of
textures and timbres evokes that type of vibrant and diverse natural
variation. At times, a windy and strained trumpet catches one’s ear. Then,
Alder’s low tones and, on sopranino, sharp bites and jaunty (maybe even
jazz) arpeggios. Then, the listener’s ear wanders to what sound like
muffled voices and electric chains, synthesized drones (this is Chrysakis,
after all) and glimmering plonk of the electronics and guitar.
It is strange to hear this configuration of musicians and Chrysakis, an
accomplished composer, in such a setting. I have been assured there was no
score or direction beyond “Don’t hesitate to linger on what is emerging,”
which is such a wonderful and telling instruction.
Inward Traces Outer Edges
maintains some of the long-tone aesthetics and deep listening that
characterize Chrysakis’ compositions. Still, I would not have placed this
among his output had I not already known of his involvement. There is just
too much clatter, which, in the hands of Alder, Keeffe, O’Sullivan and
Chrysakis himself, is a good thing, as they do it with such intention and
control, to pleasingly coarse and unconventional results.
Inward Traces Outer Edges is available as a CD directly from Aural
Terrains:
https://www.auralterrains.com/releases/55
.
