V/A :: Elemental Studies (Carpe Sonum)

Carpe Sonum Records—the North American distributor of Pete Namlook’s legendary FAX label—continues its legacy of immersive, unexpected sonic journeys with Elemental Studies, a compilation of film scores destined for a forthcoming quad stereo/visual installation. Spearheaded by multimedia artist TJ Norris, the project transforms the natural elements into haunting meditations on the fragile balance between humanity and nature’s power.

Exploring nature’s voice through sound

The North American distributor for Pete Namlook’s long-defunct FAX label, Carpe Sonum Records, seems to have a wonderful habit of releasing music I never realized I wanted to hear. I discovered them through a friend recently, and was asked if I would like to review their latest release Elemental Studies, a compilation of film scores to be included in an upcoming quad stereo/visual installation project. 

Ok, you have my attention.

The premise is honorable. TJ Norris, the artist responsible for gathering it all and creating the visuals describes it as:

“Climate Change vs. Mother Nature has become imbalanced with a variety of stressful impact, especially in the 20th Century into the present. The elements, themselves, each court their own symbolism: air/wind (expansion/movement), earth (stability), fire (energy/rebirth), water (adaptation/fluidity). In modern times the elements strike up thoughts of fear as well: air (tornadoes), earth (fracking/quakes), fire (large scale forest fires), water (tsunamis/floods). The inherent capacity for change is in the balance between humankind and nature’s wrath. We live on a planet of biodiversity that has a changing, sometimes fragile ecosystem.“

This collection couldn’t be better to represent the tension and release of such an important time in our history. The opening piece “Airborne,” by Jos Smolders, stutters, shifts and creaks in a lonely world, forcing your own fears forward with expert precision. Darren McClure’s “Flow” in contrast, sings a watery sirens tale. Beautifully sublime while you sink slowly into the darkness. 25 individual soundscapes, each telling a different story, bring to mind a wonderful concept called “Cinematic Isolationism,” where each piece is detached from the other, yet still reside within the story.

Some of my stand out moments on this are Simon Šerc’s “Landmass” with its careful walk through everything dangerous and sharp. Liz Helman’s “Reflow” sails through a lonely fog, keeps you slightly seasick, while brilliant moments shine, retreat and melt away where you need them to be. Mick Chillage overwhelms the senses with “Blaze” by a shifting contrast of loud beauty and quiet existential dread. 

A brilliant combination of well crafted sounds await you here. This is the perfect headphone listen on a long walk, or a road trip, when you want to be alone. Truly alone with your own “mind movies.” I hope TJ makes the finished installation available for everyone to experience. It won’t be the same as it is in person, but I would love to put it on a loop for a day and sink myself in its important message. Don’t we all need to learn more about the world?

About Artist: TJ Norris is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist whose work spans photography, experimental film, installation, and sound art. His projects frequently involve international collaboration and have been exhibited globally.

Elemental Studies is available on Carpe Sonum. [Bandcamp]