Track Listing

1. Haze
2. After Sunrise
3. The Vague Terrain
4. Monkey Puzzle
5. Dusk

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #475449 in Music
• Released on: 2008-03-24
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .16 pounds

Plan B
Excellent, like discovering new life in the back garden

Martin Longley, BBC.CO.UK
"This music is always aurally compelling, but also has bonus aspects within the realms of tactile sensation and visual fantasy."

4.7/5, The Milk Factory
"the work remains dense, coherent, and of very high standard, making this record an unmissable experience."

Customer Reviews

Nowhere Review '7/10'
`Nowhere' documents the collaboration between Isambard Khroustaliov (aka Sam Britton from electronic duo Icarus) and bass clarinet player Lothar Ohlmeier. The works of both artists, especially the former, tend to hinge around complex and dense arrangements that can occasionally suffocate the listener in a whirling cascade of sound. With `Nowhere' these ideologies have been left behind in favour of unadulterated sonic freedom that results in a trek into the unknown where each musical element is allowed to flow at its own pace to its own destination.

The result is an album of skeletal and industrialised Jazz motifs stretched subtly across an infinite terrain. Micro-electronics tear, whoosh, crackle, spark and click with unconstrained freedom whilst the sound of the bass clarinet meanders sombrely and softly in its own timezone. The two are laced together and arranged very intricately to create a soundscape where the electronics act as accompanying instruments within a deranged orchestra.

After lulling listeners into a state of somber reflection and unbounded space, proceedings become progressively more hostile on the Hitchcock-esque noir of `After Sunrise' and on `The Vague Terrain' with its fusion of dark ambient atmospherics, wafting electronic skree and jabs of piping bass-clarinet. Making full use of the bass clarinets ability to enhance the qualities of the lower range of the soprano and alto instrument, Ohlmeier's playing resonates with a rich, earthy and slightly eerie tone which is arranged using an avant-garde methodology. Khroustaliov on the other hand carves out both the subtly penetrating atmosphere via shifting dark ambient noodling's as well as all manner of intricately created and arranged snippets of electronic sound. The final track `Dusk' is the track that embodies both of these players contributions to the fullest. Possessing the densest sound found on the album it documents a driving synergy between both electronics and bass-clarinet to create a moody and micro-orchestral soundtrack to insects busily scuttling amongst a serene and magnificent landscape.

`Nowhere' is a highly minimalist recording requiring the full attention of the listener and zero distractions. Don't follow these listening conditions and it will be nothing more than randomly arranged noises occasionally popping out of your speakers. Listen closely though and the contrast of futuristic, sci-fi sounds created by Khroustaliov and the traditional yet avant-garde musings of Ohlmeier's bass clarinet make for a riveting listen that is wrapped in a dark-atmospheric cloak and sounds a little like a slightly sedated Eric Dolphy jamming with the skeleton of the Halfer Trio. (KS)