Superbly shot and released in 2011 to great critical acclaim, psychological thriller Take Shelter is independent American director Jeff Nichols’ second feature film. Prone to hallucinations and persisting nightmares, working class father Curtis LaForche’s (Michael Shannon) mental state deteriorates gradually to the detriment of his family and work life. The character’s obsession with building an […]
ambient
Seán Mac Erlaine: Amhrán na Leabhar
O Vis Aeternitatis I only discovered Seán Mac Erlaine’s music a few months ago when I heard his version of “O Vis Aeternitatis” on the saxophone. It was one of those epiphanic moments when a piece of music resonates instantly. I was familiar with the piece from the 12th century mystic Hildegard of Bingen through […]
Arve Henriksen: Migration
In addition to his improvised work with experimental electronica trio Supersilent, Arve Henriksen has also perfected over the years a characteristic floating trumpet sound that is mainly derived from his study of the Japanese Shakuhachi flute. Confirming the musician’s status as a major improviser and innovator, Norwegian record label Rune Grammofon has recently released Solidification (2012), […]
A Winged Victory for the Sullen: We played some open chords…
Neo-classical duo A Winged Victory for the Sullen emerged in 2007 following a chance encounter between Californian pianist Dustin O’Halloran and ambient drone composer Adam Wiltzie (Star of the Lid). Focusing on Dustin O’Halloran’s piano, the sustain of Adam Wiltzie’s electric guitar and traditional strings, the pair have generated a haunting collection of spacious sonic […]
Erik Truffaz & Murcof: Al mediodia
Erik Truffaz Ever since his appearance on the contemporary jazz scene in the early 1990s, and all the more since Dawn (1998), his breakthrough recording for the Blue Note label, Swiss born Erik Truffaz (b. 1960) has never ceased to explore new sounds with various formations, experimenting and fusing his music with rock, hip-hop, drum’n’bass or […]
Max Richter: The haunted ocean
Waltz with Bashir (2008) is a groundbreaking animated documentary by Israeli film maker Ari Folman. One night at a bar, an old friend tells director Ari about a recurring nightmare in which he is chased by 26 vicious dogs. Every night, the same number of beasts. The two men conclude that there’s a connection to their Israeli […]
