Scorces - l'or et l'argent

Subtle.

That is probably the most economic review one could do of this album. I actually first played this album yesterday. After an extremely frustrating and tiring day, all done on about 4 hours of sleep. I ended up falling asleep on my couch while I listened.

At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about this album. There is nothing here that I disliked, but at the same time, there was nothing to really pull me into the album. It just kind of sat there.

Since then, I've found myself listening to the album again and again. At first, i thought I was just giving the album "another chance." Now, I am not so sure. This album has somehow gotten into my skin. I find myself craving it's simplicity and subtleness. It was subtle in it's approach, but I am now hooked on this album. I imagine it will be some time before I go a full 24 hours with out listening to it.

The music itself is being created by guitar and pedal steel. There is an interesting origin story to the peddle steel in the Aug. issue of Wire. It seems the instrument was a gift to Heather Leigh Murray. But, that the giver refused to teach her how to play it, or possibly even tune it (i don't remember now). Instead the giver wanted Heather to find her own voice through the instrument. To play it her way.

Her way is a haunting, drone of sound that provides an under current to this album. Similar in feel to sound of hitting high tension wire. It provides a mesmerizing drone that allows the album to float along. Even when she plays "lead" the sound is more music concrete then country.

The album on whole has a droning, low key quality. The casual listener will be hard pressed to remember anything specific about this album after listening to it. No single instance or moment will stick in their memory. Instead, they will hear the drone in their sleep, and they will crave the sounds in their head. This album is addictive in it's simplicity. And will likely never fully leave you.

Posted by Matt at September 21, 2003 02:03 AM