Description
#sydneyspann #vinyl #vinylrecords
Sydney Spann, a US sound artist, has recently released their first vinyl record titled ‘Sending Up A Spiral Of’. This album serves as a well-curated introduction to their unique and distinctive body of work. Spann skillfully incorporates environmental recordings, vocals, sine tones, and rough, tactile sounds into their compositions, while also paying tribute to the language and love of care workers by integrating obscure lullabies.
From the first few seconds of the 20-minute title track, it becomes evident that ‘Sending Up A Spiral Of’ is a remarkable listening experience. Spann’s ethereal voice intertwines with church bells and pastoral ambiance, creating a mesmerizing effect reminiscent of washing rags in a metal pot. The composition evolves as resonant clanks morph into dissociated echoes and a single sine tone lingers in the background. Deciphering the music may not be easy, but it is truly captivating. Sine tones gradually intensify into a symphonic whirr, while footsteps and outdoor sounds effortlessly transform into rhythmic elements. Spann’s voice becomes indistinguishable amidst the thrumming drones that vibrate and oscillate in harmony. The artist artfully incorporates looped insect chirps, radio static, and intricate details that only reveal themselves upon repeated listens.
The remainder of the album is divided into smaller sections, each equally mesmerizing. On ‘Cow, Cow, Cow…’, Spann’s lullabies are fragmented and layered with cassette tape, adding a warm and textural component. Meanwhile, ‘Possession’ embraces a more traditional song structure, with Spann gently murmuring “baby, baby” over cool synths that resemble an organ. Spann’s vocals take on animalistic qualities on ‘Love Undoes Me Every Day’, with sharp intakes of breath and emotional cries. On ‘Purposeful Evening’, they create a haunting and mournful atmosphere atop gloomy synth drones and the gentle hiss of tape. ‘Sending Up A Spiral Of’ is a deeply affecting album that bears resemblances to the works of artists such as Robert Ashley and Henning Christiansen. It is a highly recommended listening experience for those seeking deeply personal, charged, and meticulously crafted music.
