Space is a never-ending font of inspiration for artists of all kinds. So few people have experienced it, but the concept of an infinite silent expanse evokes such a broad slate of emotion that it seems almost universal. It can be peaceful or terrifying, embodying the wonder of the unknown or the fear of complete isolation.
Flat Moon, a Brooklyn group, has joined the ranks of so many musicians that explore the thematic territory of space with the release of their record Luminary. An instrumental concept album concerning the Apollo moon missions, in particular the code for the Apollo Guidance Computer and the team that wrote the code, Luminary is nonetheless instrumental with tonal synths and guitar suggesting the electronic equipment on the craft. The band also generates a rich, staticky backdrop and long drones to demonstrate the depth of space it traverses. “Fresh Start / Restart” opens the record. It's a beautiful droning piece with acoustic guitar and vast textures, setting the stage for the rest of the record. Interestingly, it seems to lead directly into the second track “Controlled Constants,” which recontextualizes the guitar into a more somber electric piece with very barebones drumming. This opening suite establishes the way in which Flat Moon moves between organic instruments and synths. The fact that the band chose to avoid virtual instruments is really evident, as the ebb and flow of the parts never seems jumpy or canned. “Burn Baby Burn” has a nice character, moving from thrumming 16th note bass to a cavernous sound that breaks into jammy territory. The record doesn't get too close to traditional rock music, but this track is probably the nearest it comes—the minimal groove sits nicely alongside the more esoteric moments. “The Lunar Landing” is also a major standout for me. It’s got a post-rock vibe with a huge shoegaze wall of sound. The broad and hopeful chords drop away for emotionally immediate clean guitars and a light snare pattern, then returning to the huge waves of fuzz. Playing with rich guitar texture suits the band well, underpinning the melodic movements with depths of sound. Once “Time of Free Fall” rolls around, Luminary is ready to untether itself from the norm. Droning strings emulate the endless movement of zero-g, though these drones slowly and softly become tonal. It’s similar to the glacial effect of Sigur Rös, taking a vast ambient soundscape and pivoting into more traditional melodic territory. After minutes, reverbed acoustic plucks from guitar add a rhythmic element, and it all fades to nothing but room noise. It's a fitting way to close the record, making the journey seem to extend beyond the boundaries of its running time. Ultimately, Flat Moon has delivered an interesting album in Luminary, straddling ambient and melodic sounds to evocative effect. Though their specific concept does not come through as clearly as I would like, they truly understand how to convey the complexity of space, which makes the project unquestionably successful. Hopefully this is not the last trip they will take.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
May 2024
|