Phillip Golub :: Loop 7 (greyfade)

With its emphasis on subtle variation and harmonic innovation, Loop 7 is a compelling listen for fans of experimental music and microtonal compositions, inviting deeper engagement with every spin. This is a standout release for both Golub and greyfade.

Showcasing the intricate possibilities of expanded tonal frameworks

Phillip Golub’s Loop 7, set for release on February 7, 2025, via greyfade Records, offers a mesmerizing exploration of microtonality and minimalism. Building on his earlier work Filters (2022), Golub employs a 22-tone per octave tuning system, showcasing the intricate possibilities of expanded tonal frameworks. This 28-minute composition combines microtonally tuned Disklavier pianos, electric guitar, vibraphone, and live electronics, blending acoustic and electronic textures in a unique fusion of chamber music and studio experimentation.

The album stands out for its precise craftsmanship, achieved with the help of Yamaha’s advanced Disklavier technology and meticulous engineering. Golub’s decision to use smaller tonal intervals creates a dynamic listening experience, with cascading phrases descending in barely perceptible steps, evoking an auditory Escher-like journey. The ensemble’s contributions—particularly the scordatura guitar and microtonal vibraphone—add depth, weaving through the piano’s lines to create shimmering, otherworldly harmonies.

Producer Joseph Branciforte’s refined mixing ensures a seamless integration of natural and synthetic elements, giving the work warmth and otherworldly precision. The result is a hypnotic and immersive soundscape that advances Golub’s compositional language and cements greyfade’s reputation for cutting-edge releases.

With its emphasis on subtle variation and harmonic innovation, Loop 7 is a compelling listen for fans of experimental music and microtonal compositions, inviting deeper engagement with every spin. This is a standout release for both Golub and greyfade.

Loop 7 is available on greyfade Feburary 7, 2025. [Bandcamp | Site]