Fullman, Ellen – “Through Glass Panes” – [Important Records]

Thurston Hunger   3/28/2013   A Library, CD

Fullman sets up long-string installations (ranging from
53-200 feet!) and uses these to generate her sustained
droning sounds. I’ve not seen her perform (although
looks like the Bay Area has had several exhibits over
the past decade) nor have I seen Max Eastley (whom I knew
also did such performance/creation from his work with the
Spaceheads). Photos and videos are available at her site
http://ellenfullman.com).
This 2011 release is KFJC’s first full length under her
name (she was on a number of collections, including one
also on Important Records and the outstanding “Orbitones,
Spoons and Harps.” The first two pieces here offer whispers
of Indian music, Fullman in sitar splendor. Theresa Wong on
the first doing the sawing/slithering on her cello, very
reminiscent a Subramaniam or two. #2 with Henna Chou (cello)
and Travis Weller (violin), here the smaller strings construct
a skyscraper from two note intervals…at the top a flock
of sparrows nests. The title track feels like Petticoat
Junction, done Avant Garde style. A hint of harmonica,
bouncing over the drone, at 21min a committed radio listener
can listen deeply, and really feel the shapeshifting of
the long strings beneath the bounce. Though subtle, there is
a pronounced shift to darkness. The bounces at the end go off
in refracted angles. The closing track is complicated cathedral
of sound, lots of odd harmonics strung out, it’s a 20min
study in texture. One for the synaesthesiacs!

-Thurston Hunger