Today Only: Modern Classical sale vinyl

Review: Contemporary classical seems to be having a bit of a moment in the sun right now as it breaks out of its traditional confines and makes a mark on the wider world. Bartellow, who is one-third of the Tambien project and also goes by the name Beni Brachtel in the classical scene, is back on ESP Institute with a second full-length. Noosphere brings together parts of some of his theatrical scores for WUT, Odipus and Antigone and Der Zauberberg amongst others. It takes in cues from Baroque and Impressionism with plenty of sweeping drama and moments of intense emotionality across four sides of sound.

Review: With an artist name like Dali Muru & The Polyphonic Swarm, and an EP title of Murmer of The Bath Spirits, the fact at least part of this record features a narrative about spiritual awakenings in bath houses, set to an eerie, atmospheric ambient soundscape, will surprise very few people. A 15-minute trip into the ether, noises and tones are as wet as they are warm, and the experience like heading out to uncover a faery land mystery.
Things get a little less specific on the appropriately christened 'Track 2', which moves us on from the dreamy quiet into a place that's more forceful, purposeful, harsh, perhaps even darker. Hypnotic loops set above staccato beats, grabbing hi hats and other elements as the track grows in ear worm qualities with each second.

Review: Gnac is a project composer Mark Tranmer started in 1990 and The Echoes on Departure is his seventh album with this alias. He says he started this one soon after he finished his last one, Afternoon Frost, in 2021. It is a more electronic record than that one with some of his favourite chord progressions "and a few new ones." There is also the addition of a human voice on two tracks with Kathleen Stosch of Constant Follower on both Bittersweetness' and 'Until The Heart Stops.' Both are evocative centerpieces for this most lovely piano-led baroque waltz.