JONATHAN COLECLOUGH - WINDLASS [KORM PLASTICS, 1999, NETHERLANDS]

In this Korm plastics introductionary paperback, Jonathan Coleclough presents the meandering 41 minutes of Windlass. His sound construction turns slowly, pulling in worlds of aural wonder.
A rippling drone and higher pitched effervescence tinged with faint digital grit swirl in almost-orchestral movements as the intertwining elements coil and release, slowly writhing in time and space. A visitation from a softly warbling entity ensues, along with other organically chittering lifeforms heard from within the placidly roiling mix.

Things lull somewhat with deeper undertones surfacing, their lows blurting out occasionally and spreading over the quietly buzzing backdrop. More minimal arrangements follow, with only (intermittent) bass and (continual) buzz exerting their forces, to be swept over by a faraway windstorm (and once or twice maybe a truck?).

Another almost imperceptible transformation evolves as feedback tendrils spiral through the atmosphere; the bass and buzz seem to join forces, growling together in unison beneath screechier frequencies, which also eventually more-or-less synch with the resonant droning.

The united soundwaves surge together in a powerful organ-like resplendence, then fade to reveal familiar tones from the intro, which disappear as well.

- David J Opdyke

RAR