Cutler, Chris/Frith, Fred/Dimuzio, Thomas – “Golden State” – [RER Megacorp]

Thee Opinataur   4/5/2013   12-inch, A Library

These longtime friends have collaborated over the years individually as well as duo’s in some fashion, however this is the first release which includes all three together. Chris Cutler on drums, Fred Frith on guitar, and Thomas Dimuzio sampling, processing, as well as re-mastering. Original recordings took place in Los Angeles and San Francisco from 1999-2002. A1 is a sidelong track that opens with a subtle Middle Eastern auraUrban noontime trip picks up conversations of passersby taking the listener to a sinister cavern for lunch that results in regretful gurgitations and intestinal rumblings. Effective use of space and dynamics are expertly displayed especially the quite moments. An enjoyable subtle psychedelic trip, while eighteen minutes long, it is over just when you are beginning to enjoy the ride. B1– A rather non-descript quiet drone with simple guitar riffing, slow and steady and a bit underwhelming. B2Take a short traipse in the forest of nymphs under a canopy of lush warm rain. Beth Custer lends her soothing bass clarinet to this piece. B3 Drones awash in ambient seduction, phases out in a much too quiet fade. Distant cries of migrating birds from the blackness of the mountain cave; there will be no light at the end of the tunnel for these hapless creatures. Collectively this album is an interesting study in experimental sound manipulation. You may need to turn up the volume to truly hear the intricate details.