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We must one day ask Dirk Jan Müller, the man behind Cosmic Ground, what is the larger purpose of this music? His work, and that of contemporaries Redshift, Node and Arc, draws on higher-order capacities. Theirs is a minimalism that speaks volumes. The release Cosmic Ground 3 (71'00") is proof that Müller is thinking on a bigger scale. Full of infinite possibilities, bristling the listener's countless synapses which have yet to be activated, Cosmic Ground 3 is of a musical language learned, first by listening, then by doing. It is a special kind of treat to be permitted to roam this world with Müller. His album's four tracks are personal expressions made in textures and atmospheres. Deep listening may evoke the pursuit of spectres, pan-galactic time warps, or passage to surreal destinations - its vivid headiness in complete service to our dreams and fantasies. Each piece finds portent sounds building dense harmonic forms - out of which emerges forward motion motoric sequencer patterns. In a withheld energy these echoing interlocking runs of notes produce a mounting compositional tension, released in our minds as impressionistic cerebration. Mellotron chords in minor keys slowly sweep across the sound field. Synthetic drones hold, darken, then lighten, informing the music's mood. In an ascending rush, then a descending calm, with our imaginative sonic aviator we depart our more common thoughts... for mysterious regions. But we should think no more of the technological and mechanical thrill of this electronic music, and instead allow its stimulating effects to be absorbed into our consciousness. Müller believes his Cosmic Ground 3 to be a cognitive experiment - an understanding which lends an appropriate gravity to the task of making this music. Its confidence may be intimidating to mid-level musicians, while its lack of irony will confuse the intellectual, yet still uninitiated music consumer. As this genre makes its way further into our world, we hope we will find greater levels of thought and consonance. If it is true that the future is not driven by the past, but by technology - then tomorrow belongs to us.
- Chuck van Zyl/STAR'S END 13 October 2016 |
