We've managed to secure a limited number of copies of Kevin Drumm's extraordinary "Neither Here Nor There," the monumental triple cassette release that emerged a few months ago on Vaknar and has already become one of the most sought-after documents of contemporary experimental music. This boundless exploration of drone minimalism, compiled and remastered by Vaagner, spans over two hours of Drumm's most dense, meditative, and wholly captivating compositions, all produced during a remarkably fruitful period between 2018 and 2019.
Long known for his uncompromising noise work, Drumm reveals an entirely different facet of his artistic vision with "Neither Here Nor There." These previously self-released works showcase a commitment to minimalism that transcends conventional boundaries—not mere reduction, but a focused intensity that explores the outer limits of what drone music can achieve. Each piece fluctuates between endurance test and religious experience, where sustained movements and intricate textural variations take on almost revelatory properties through the unwavering consistency of Drumm's vision.
The album's title perfectly encapsulates the unmoored condition these compositions inhabit—a liminal space between being and nothingness that leaves the listener in a state of perpetual, sublime tension. Intricate micro-shifts in texture unfold across vast temporal expanses, creating an nearly oppressive yet deeply contemplative sonic environment. There's an undeniable quality of ritual to this release, transforming the listening experience into something approaching the sacred.
Vaknar presents this monumental work as a special triple cassette edition, housed in deluxe packaging that reflects the ceremonial nature of the music within. The physical format perfectly complements the analog warmth and textural richness of Drumm's vision, offering collectors and drone enthusiasts an artifact worthy of the music's transformative power. "Neither Here Nor There" represents a crucial addition to the canon of American experimental music—a work that challenges preconceptions while revealing new possibilities for meditative, long-form composition. For devotees of artists like Éliane Radigue, La Monte Young, and the deeper territories of minimalist exploration, this release offers an absolutely essential journey into uncharted sonic realms.
Extremely limited quantities available. Don't sleep on this one—it won't be around for long.