| Artist: Chihei Hatakeyama Album: Minima Moralia Released: 20 February 2006 | 
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Chihei Hatakeyama realizes music infused with a pleasant machine-like spirituality. On Minima Moralia (51'45") the laptop computer serves as primary apparatus at the lullaby lab in which this work was scored. The content of this album lies somewhere between the improvisational works of post-ambient music experimentation and the comforting, mystical energy of New Age. If technology is at the core of this music, then imagination is the surrounding influence. Grainy textures are mixed in behind porous harmonic forms while recurrent chords move across the cloudy sonic backdrops of each piece. Hatakeyama's tonal minimalism is based on fragments of acoustic instrument sounds (guitar and vibraphone) which manifest themselves as gritty, granular particles. These animated textures and detailed timbres, some at the edge of hearing, expand, sustain and decay in a gentle and artful manner. As Mechanician of this woolly machine music, Hatakeyama has accessed a diversity of principles and practices, both conventional and anomalous, and formed a work based on experiences in each.
- Chuck van Zyl/STAR'S END 15 February 2006 | |
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