Mehr, Markus – “On” – [Hidden Shoal Recordings]

Circa 2011-2012 release from German sound artist Markus Mehr. The second part of a triptych…In, On, Off…that features a powerfully cinematic blend of stark ambient-electro-acoustic experimentation, and industrial-noise leanings. Composed with computers, samples, field recordings, synthesizers, processed guitars and distortion pedals…On is just that: awake…aware…ready…primed. Focused compositions that sponsor tender, neo-classical ambient treks meandering through oceans of quanta…toward unreconsiled power electronic cascades.

Track 1…opens the album with a grinding, electro-industrial loop encompassing a wash of synth arpeggios…Track 2 brings to mind the placid tide from an ocean of fire gradually consuming a shoreline...Track 3 is a gentle, swirling dance of electrostatic particles radiating the subdued transmissions of an interstellar Siren…Track 4 & Track 5 are lush, orchestral flights toward upper atmospheres…Track 6 emits random, undulating bursts of cartoon-ish (Greek folk music?) signals…Track 7 emerges an ethereal nebulae of field recorded conversations and Gregorian chant…Track 8…tranquil washes of piano, harpsichord and static lull the listener toward a somnambulent oblivion.