Crystal sound project - Confronting silence

​Crystal sound project

Confronting silence
Enovae Records; 2023

4.2 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

 Matt Jensen

Crystal Sound Project's latest album, Confronting Silence, unfurls as a compelling exploration of auditory landscapes, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic musings of the Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu. This introspective journey, as the band elucidates, revolves around the delicate equilibrium between sound and silence, a thematic core that permeates the album's very essence. 

The album commences with "Confronting Silence - Part 1," a composition spanning just shy of twenty minutes. Patience is the key here, as the composition gradually unfurls its sonic terrain, revealing an amalgamation of instruments—piano, flute and violin—each engaged in a harmonious dance that feels simultaneously interconnected and distinct. 

Dynamic nuances ripple through the piece, akin to a subtle ebb and flow, creating an entrancing sonic drone. The ethereal vocals cast a haunting spell, imbuing the composition with an aura reminiscent of Southern Gothic mystique, further underscored by percussive elements that punctuate the narrative. 

As the music continues its labyrinthine journey, it evolves with a sense of improvisation, punctuated by mesmerizing transitions around the ten-minute mark. Subdued chimes, the delicate caress of stringed instruments and resonating drums lead the listener into a lush sonic field. The vocal exclamation, "Tigers came back," adds an enigmatic layer to the experience.

"Confronting Silence - Part II" follows, a shorter yet hypnotic piece that unfolds over a little more than eight minutes. Its hypnotic allure draws the listener into a meditative reverie—a sanctuary of tranquility. The wind instruments breathe life into the composition, evoking a sense of ritual, a sacred communion with the gods of nature. 

The final offering, "The Moon Song," stretches close to eleven minutes, imbued with an ominous undercurrent. The instruments bend and contort, creating an atmosphere that feels akin to wandering through a labyrinthine cave. The piano, a haunting protagonist in its own right, adds depth and character to the composition. The vocals resonate with a midnight jazz quality, evoking visceral imagery reminiscent of a David Lynch cinematic dreamscape. Haunting, beautiful and strangely peaceful, "The Moon Song" stands as a testament to the band's ability to craft sonic narratives that transcend traditional boundaries. Undoubtedly, Confronting Silence may pose a challenge to a more mainstream audience, but for those who yearn to plunge into the depths of sonic experimentation, this album is exceptional. 

​The level of artistry on display here has not been witnessed since the awe-inspiring Promises by Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders and The London Symphony Orchestra. Confronting Silence comes highly recommended—an auditory voyage that will linger in the recesses of your mind long after the last note has dissipated into silence.

Become A Fan

enovaerecords.com/crystal-sound-project-confronting-silence

Tweet