Of Surfaces takes it deep -- way deep and extremely quiet, requiring either an extremely loud sound system and patient neighbors or a sturdy pair of headphones. It's a record that demands full attention; the smallest of noises or the lowest sub-bass rumble could pass by and leave one wondering if the sounds really happened, or if they were just environmental noise. Not only is this one of the highlights of
Chartier's career, it could very well be the closest thing to 4'33'' ever committed to CD. And from here on in, when monks are faced with the universal question, they can simply pull out this CD and smile knowingly.