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The Circular Ruins is one name under which Anthony Paul Kerby releases his atmospheric sonic excursions. His album We Leave Everything Behind (61'35") sounds like Ambient Music of the first order. Unhurried and engrossing it seems a universe unto itself. Using the simple elements of harmony, timbre and occasionally rhythm to express himself, Kerby's work achieves a kind of psychological insight that more conventional modes of music rarely touches upon. We Leave Everything Behind leaves the impression that it has been made using electronic instrumentation, but certain aspects to the character of the sounds found within the 12 meticulously arranged pieces present a more organic or acoustic quality. Reed-like synthesizer melodies whisper across a churning, swirling progression of strings which declines into a strange digital habitat expanding and contracting in uneven waves. Diffuse environmental audio clips and found voices give great depth to the cyber world scenery. A great density and drama may be found arising at various points, only to be strikingly contrasted by moments of tenderness and fragility. This kind of music allows us to transcend our own world and partake in utterly different realities. The Circular Ruins hopes to take the listener on a journey deep into a realm of secrets, and return us home changed.
- Chuck van Zyl/STAR'S END 12 January 2012 |
