All compositions are steady and laid back, showcasing intermingling patterns of varied lifeform, all of which allow for a great sense of escapism directly through the headphones.
Continuous waves from a deep ocean
Tom Hall’s latest release—Failed Attempt at Silence, takes the listener on a pleasantly surreal journey into otherworldliness—electronics that are smooth in texture, yet rich in experimental synergy, coupled with symphonic modern classical vibrance that never wanes. The opening track (“Stolen Time Left Behind”) is as consistent as the continuous waves from a deep ocean—constantly in movement and sync, but with a sense of theme that always heeds a warning of the undercurrent.
For sure, this album is all about the expressive ambience—progressive forms that harbor emotional energies, all of which are rich yet somehow retain an element of fragility. Occasionally those fragile gestures can evaporate and give way to a more jagged outline—think “Dilated.” Then there is the uncertainty of “Yesterday, Today, Forever,” which pushes and drives its own strong heartbeat.
Think volcanic landscapes and hot lava, deepest darkest oceans, electrical storms and the threat of angry clouds.
There’s a sense of fluidity throughout, varying landforms, all of which are desolate, but rich in natural resource. Think volcanic landscapes and hot lava, deepest darkest oceans, electrical storms and the threat of angry clouds. “Regression of Consciousness” produces short, sharp electrical shocks and static, while also looking for lost radio signals—searching and tuning in momentarily to random frequencies. “Graves for Failed Theories” raises its own alarm while “Crumpling State” has a metallic shimmer.
In the main, Failed Attempts at Silence has a unique personality. Sounds are linear but are distinguished, giving light to work that is immensely tentative in its delivery. Evocative energy resonates occasionally, especially with “Regression of Consciousness.” There are battles with nature at work, sheer forces of shock and energy with heat and static dispersing in all directions. There are also reservoirs of rich texture – again it is filmic in form. Sometimes it forms pools of glistening tranquility, and much refinement in sound—think “Journeying Between Two Stops” and “Parallel-S.”
All compositions are steady and laid back, showcasing intermingling patterns of varied lifeform, all of which allow for a great sense of escapism directly through the headphones.
Failed Attempts at Silence is available on Superpang. [Bandcamp]
