An affluent and passionate work. Its roots, which are made up of varied beats of specific and careful placement, allow it to grow, develop and flourish, creating a swollen effect that exercises a careful blend of acoustic guitar melody, bass, and beads of intricately placed percussion – the result being a poignant musical essence.
[Release page] The music that comes under the name of Swimming is all about a musician who goes by the name of Devon. He’s based in Arcata, California.
He plays guitar, drums, and ‘objects made from metal and plastic with wires carrying electricity,’ at least, according to the website, nonetheless, I’m sure many will agree, it’s an intriguing combination.
His latest release under the name of Swimming – Ellipses, presents a very experimental electronic fusion of acoustic guitar work, showcasing plenty of raw clarity and melody. If we’re gazing towards sharp shifting waters, then this one flows beautifully into previously unseen territories that are ripe with individual art form without being shaded.
To give an idea, “(Aspirated) plosives” opens with polished, mechanical clasps – a forgery of sounds, all busy at work and featuring intricate and metallic creative percussion sounds that mesh together in zig zag forms. “We Fill Gaps” continues, introducing some deep enriched acoustic guitar tones is – think expressively sharp strumming set against ever expanding beats. The work creates an exotic picture in a rather quaint setting. This is not to say it lacks current and its far from the last we see of such imagery. The acoustic strumming and picking actions are quite prominent throughout – something that makes this release quite original. “Anyhow” displays plenty more where that came from – full of organic beat work that is natural and penetrating, surrounded by a rich tide of acoustic guitar inspired seascape. The percussive aspect builds upon vast backdrops, thus creating many textures – all with affected vocal work.
Within another unique chapter lies “What Duties (1…2….3).” Its urban sounding beats of distinction rule and there’s a drum and bass styled break out before a slowing of pulse allows more smoother threads of melody to be woven in – introducing the now less exaggerated beats. Its final movement edges into a hopscotch action.
Overall it’s an affluent and passionate work. Its roots, which are made up of varied beats of specific and careful placement, allow it to grow, develop and flourish, creating a swollen effect that exercises a careful blend of acoustic guitar melody, bass, and beads of intricately placed percussion – the result being a poignant musical essence. A brightly augmented search through its own vibrant soundscape. A dazzling theatrical tendency coupled with full on electro experimentation.
Ellipses is out on Audiobulb. [Release page]
[audio:http://igloomag.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/swimming_hourglass_with_snow.mp3|titles=Swimming “Hourglass with Snow”]
[audio:http://igloomag.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/swimming_ellipsis-pt.1_preview.mp3|titles=Swimming “Ellipsis Pt.1”]
