sound activity - sound activity

Sound Activity

Sound Activity
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5

Sound Activity is a one-man-band hailing from Sydney, Australia who recently released his self-titled album that has 14 tracks that are as diverse as they are original. The album was not modified, distorted, disliked or had anything to do with anyone else apparently. This apparently worked out to Sound Activity’s advantage because I thoroughly enjoyed the album. The ebb and flow seemed to work just fine as the rather short songs ran into one another. Sound Activity describes the album as having influences from Pink Floyd to King Crimson to Robert Fripp which I do hear. I often felt with this album that I was hearing a sampler; short bursts of creative intuition which sometimes left me wanting more and at other times satisfied with what I had been served. 

The album kicks off with a wonderful little piece, which almost sounds like something you would hear at a recital. I thoroughly enjoyed the lo-fi nature of the recording that made it work better then if it was pristine. I think my favorite tracks were the ones that veered towards nostalgia and ambience like “Ethereal” which contained warbly synths but really felt great when the piano showed itself. The birds in the background just added to the experience. Possibly the centerpiece of the album is “Philosophy” which combined Fripp-like sound with free jazz that dissolves in front of your ears while keeping you intrigued. I really enjoyed the experimentation and that it tried to resolve itself. While the album sometimes left me craving for more it showcased Sound Activity’s ability to deliver on a number of different genres than most bands who have trouble being good at one.

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