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Hence is the third collaborative release from Oren Ambarchi and Jim O'Rourke, following on from Behold
(EMEGO 176LP, 2015). Building on the refined combination of electronics
and acoustic instrumentation found on their previous releases, Hence presents two side-long pieces combining synthesizers, heavily effected guitar tones, and tabla rhythms played by special guest Uzhaan.
On the first side, an explosive opening chord sends out ripples of
sparse, irregularly pulsing guitar and synthesizer tones, aleatorically
changing in pitch and jumping around the stereo image. Combined with the
tabla, which gradually builds in busyness throughout the side, the
piece is like a dream collaboration between David Behrman and the Henry Kaiser of It's A Wonderful Life
(1984), gradually overtaken in its second half by a swarm of lush live
electronic sizzle. The second side begins in a similar area, combining
tabla, shimmering Leslie cabinet guitar tones, and a wandering melodic
line. Undergoing a series of subtle variations, this initial area
eventually builds to a climax of twittering synthesized birdsong
reminiscent of Alvin Curran's '70s work. As on the first side,
Ambarchi and O'Rourke craft a piece that is both comforting and subtly
strange, as the constantly shifting dynamics and changes of focus (which
recall the flow of improvised music) refuse to allow the music to
settle into any one moment for too long or to build in too linear a
fashion. Combining influences from post-minimalism, the pioneers of live
electronics, and eastern music into a unique sound world, Hence is a seductive work from two of the most singular sensibilities in contemporary music. Cut by Rashad Becker at D&M, Berlin. Photos by Traianos Pakioufakis. Sleeve/type design by Stephen O'Malley.