Rafael Anton Irisarri "Daydreaming"

Artist: Rafael Anton Irisarri
Album: Daydreaming
Label: Miasmah
Release date: 12 February 2007
Genre: Electronic
Style: Ambient/Modern Classical
RIYL: Library Tapes, Harold Budd, Deaf Center

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Tracklisting:
01. Waking Expectations
02. A Thousand-Yard Stare
03. Wither
04. Lumberton
05. Voigt-Kampf
06. Fractal
07. A Glimpse
Total running time: 34' 07"

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[Rafael Anton Irisarri - Open MySpace Standalone Music Player]

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[Rafael Anton Irisarri - Lumberton - Video Clip]

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[Rafael Anton Irisarri - Fractal - Video Clip]

"Deaf Center certainly know a thing or six about deeply affecting, piano-led compositions. 2005's "Pale Ravine" (out on Type Recordings) remains one of the most enthralling recorded documents in that field. "Daydreaming", by Seattle-based composer Rafael Anton Irissari, is my first foray into the Norwegian duo's impressive Miasmah imprint. Irisarri, himself, has a terrific pedigree, as well as sculpting captivating electro-acoustic sounds, he also curates the Kupei Muska label and serves on the board of directors for Seattle's Decibel Festival.

Using piano, synths and acoustic and electronic instruments his album, "Daydreaming" consists of seven beautifully crafted modern/classical compositions. Irisarri creates music that can be both epic and subdued, with dreamy textures floating effortlessly and dissolving into one another. "Lumberton" is a highlight that incorporates glittering piano tones and backward looped synths. It's a little less cinematic than Deaf Center, but a tad more aggressive than Goldmund. The listener can only bask in its shimmering beauty.

"Voigt-kampff" (surely named after the polygraph test to determine replicants in "Bladerunner") recalls the glacial intensity of Radiohead's "Treefingers", while, "Fractal" employs barely audible beats, reminiscent of Gas' "Konigsforst". The vinyl crackles only serve to heighten the tension, as shimmering synths and fluctuating textures hover and blend.

Much like Wes Willenbring's "Somewhere Someone Else", this album is full of atmospherics, lulling piano tones and multi-layered instrumentation. Ending with the introspective "A Glimpse", you are left with a complete sense of calm and relaxation. With just under 35 minutes worth of imaginative piano-led pieces, it may not be breaking any new ground, but "Daydreaming" is utterly gorgeous all the same. Which should warrant further investigation into the Miasmah collective." [source]

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