Initially released as a CD-R and then given a full release on Kranky for his debut for the label,
Joseph Raglani's brief but quite enjoyable five-song effort isn't some sudden new stroke of artistic genius -- instead it aims to hit certain strong points and does so well enough that his future work will be worth investigating. By working in the realm of the self-recorded electronic musician, clearly harking back to 1970s experimenters in particular but not exclusively,
Raglani's emphasis lies in well-sculpted drones and understated elements popping in and out of the mix -- vocal snippets and strange melodies on "The Promise of Wood and Water," the swirls of sound on the concluding "Jubilee." It's very formal, no bad thing at all, but when the scrazzled feedback on "Perilous Straits" appears, the effect is almost shocking (and certainly does provide a little more variety than had first been apparent). The opening "Rivers In" arguably sets the tone for most of the whole collection, its opening notes shimmering in like the start of
Tones on Tail's "Rain," at once flowing and rhythmic. If nothing else, an elegant and promising listen. ~ Ned Raggett