Ben Fleury-Steiner; Darren Harper; Max Corbacho; Chronotope Project; Ophion

In the Shortlist sections, I will mention some of the albums that I enjoyed listening to, but couldn’t find the time (or the right words) for a “full” review for. Still, I think they deserve your attention: use the links to find more info and hear previews.

Ben Fleury-Steiner

Ben Fleury-Steiner – Clearings
The sound of these three tracks are as mysterious as the album cover image – especially in the yearning loop of the opening track ‘Wind Up Bird’s Lament’.
“Ben’s sound (drawn from both electronic and acoustic sources including electric kalimbas, small modular synthesizers, guitar drones and effect pedals) always embraces a sense of “somewhere”, sonically, always warm with tons of layers and subtle details.”

Darren Harper

Darren Harper – Passages for the Listless and Tired
Although the title of this album may suggest you need to feel ‘listless and tired’ to enjoy this album, the truth is that most, if not all, people might benefit from listening to these calm and thoughtful drones. The album starts slow and dreamy, but gradually builds to a wash of noise in the end, as if to wake you up into the real world again.
“Drawing from both electronic and acoustic sources, his compositional output is based entirely on experimentation and improvisation, with a strong emphasis on minimalism, and often reflects a desire for a greater understanding of nature and self, and the relationship therein.”