By Nick Ostrum
Inward Traces Outer Edges is the latest release from Thanos Chrysakis and his Aural Terrains label. On it perform label stalwarts such as Jason Alder (in an odd paring of contrabass clarinet and sopranino saxophone) and Chrysakis himself (laptop and synth) in addition to the British trumpeter Charlotte Keeffe and guitarist James O’Sullivan, both of whom have been distinguishing themselves in the London and adjacent scenes over the last several years.
From the first sounds, one notices that this is different from other Chrysakis and Aural Terrains productions. It is busy, heavy on the buzzing electronics and O’Sullivan’s manipulated guitar clink. Then comes the huff and heave of Keeffe and steady bombinations of Alder, as Keeffe switches to strained fanfares over the emerging stormy front. When composed, Chrysakis’ music seems to blend sounds, evoking dark organ music, and relying on singular and overlapped droning for effect. Here, however, the quartet seems driven more by quest for different currents of energy and the potential for new sonic interactions that more open contexts such as this allow. The music smolders with the electro-acoustic intensity of an overgrown field at dusk. Nothing shouts too loud, but the sheer range of textures and timbres evokes that type of vibrant and diverse natural variation. At times, a windy and strained trumpet catches one’s ear. Then, Alder’s low tones and, on sopranino, sharp bites and jaunty (maybe even jazz) arpeggios. Then, the listener’s ear wanders to what sound like muffled voices and electric chains, synthesized drones (this is Chrysakis, after all) and glimmering plonk of the electronics and guitar.
It is strange to hear this configuration of musicians and Chrysakis, an accomplished composer, in such a setting. I have been assured there was no score or direction beyond “Don’t hesitate to linger on what is emerging,” which is such a wonderful and telling instruction. Inward Traces Outer Edges maintains some of the long-tone aesthetics and deep listening that characterize Chrysakis’ compositions. Still, I would not have placed this among his output had I not already known of his involvement. There is just too much clatter, which, in the hands of Alder, Keeffe, O’Sullivan and Chrysakis himself, is a good thing, as they do it with such intention and control, to pleasingly coarse and unconventional results.
Inward Traces Outer Edges is available as a CD directly from Aural Terrains: https://www.auralterrains.com/releases/55 .
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