INDISPENSABLE NEW MUSIC PICKS
November 2023
Kristine England
December 1, 2023 at 5:00:00 PM
Move 78
Grains
Move 78 spends its studio time improvising then cutting up, rearranging, and augmenting its sound with strings, woodwinds, and horns to create something quite mesmerizing. At times very jazzy and at others evocative electronic soundscapes group forged its signature sound by experimentation. The band’s name is inspired by a famous AlphaGo match between a computer and Lee Sedol, who beat the machine with an inspired move that completely stumped the machine.
FEATURED TRACK: "Storms Of Our Grandchildren"
Sarah Davachi
Grains
Composer Sarah Davachi fashioned Long Gradus to be played by different instruments combos and the result is compelling. Performed by Quatuor Bozzini, the composition is divided into pieces for strings, brass and organ, choir and electronics, and woodwinds. Each interpretation has unique qualities and is a fascinating illustration of how one piece of music can be greatly altered by adaptation.
FEATURED TRACK: “Long Gradus Excerpt” (strings)
Big Something
Headspace
Big Something from North Carolina released its seventh album. The sextet combines electronica, jazz, funk, and metal influences to create something special. I’m usually highly critical of Bowie covers, but their version of “Moonage Daydream” is solid. The band will spend the next several months on tour crisscrossing the states. You can bet they can deliver a great live show.
FEATURED TRACK: “The Mountain”
Hilary Woods
Acts of Light
Dark and foreboding, the ambient music on Acts of Light evokes dangerous journeys with droning synths, strings, and voices. The Irish composer’s latest work is a far cry from her days as the guitarist for the indie band JJ72. She is an evolving artist who creates compelling sonic vistas.
FEATURED TRACK: “Where The Bough Has Broken”