Music Reviews

Part, Arvo – “Litany ” – [Ecm Records]

Thurston Hunger   10/23/1996   A Library, CD

Technically black is not a color, but the absence thereof. Similarly, silence is not a sound, but its absence. And yet silence is critical to Arvo Part’s sonic palette. Aural afterimages echo as quiet caverns of drone. Dissonant tension stretches taught across gaps between notes.

Arvo Part is dynamics. Stark yet strangely serene solitude. Quiet majesty. Ethereality. “Litany” is an epic offering, English lyrics transcribed from prayer are felt rather than heard, thanks to the Hilliard Ensemble’s “volume pedal” grace. “Psalom” is a latticework of breaths on strings. “Trisagion” is the sound of a high priest walking at midnight among the dead upon a battlefield in a religious war. Faith and doubt commune. Music for epiphany.

Thurston Hunger 10/23 1996

Sun City Girls – “Kaliflower ” – [Abduction]

Daryl Licht   12/22/1993   A Library, CD

Another blast from the prolific Sun City Girls. Most of the tracks exhibit their trademark
eastern influences with lots of chanting, an emphasis on percussion, and twisted,
psychotic instrumental workouts. A couple of the tracks, however, have an almost
‘normal? pop/rock sound. Yes, this is probably their most accessible release to date, but
it is still great. Hopefully, those of you who’ve been scared by their previous releases
will now give some airtime to one of the most innovative artists going. One of the best
releases of the year. Play! DL

Note – This is an archival review. This CD was originally added to KFJC’s library in 1993.
It is a long-running tradition at KFJC for DJs to add their own comments to these ‘official?
reviews. As a matter of historical context and plain ol? ‘purient interest?, these comments
(mis-spellings and all!) are provided below.

Fukin’ Grate Record – Angus Grim

This is definitely more accessible than their previous material that I have heard. Tracks, 1, 2, and 7 are pretty cool. – Slade Grantham