Whether divinely inspired or ancient myth, the story of Babel is a terrific metaphor for overreach, for the consequences of mankind pushing forward with a single voice and united intent. Versions of the story appear in Genesis, Sura, Kabbalah, and a handful of traditional and folkloric accounts, and there are striking similarities between these teeming variations. Take as only one example the Toltec myth, in which “men built a zacuali of great height, and by this is meant a very high tower, in which to take refuge when the world should be a second time destroyed (by flood). After this their tongue became confused, and, not understanding each other, they went to different parts of the world.”

Strange, or maybe fitting, that the forthcoming Kleefstra/Pruiksma/Kleefstra album Deislieper recalls this narrative, and particularly its final frame: the multiplication of languages, the scattering of worldviews. The return to individual pursuits. The tempo is larghissimo, or nonexistent, with delicate guitar experimentation and Frisian spoken word. Frisian is one of a group of three related Germanic languages, spoken by some 500,000 people in all. Musically, those portions of canvas left unfinished here do not play as white, but as black.

The ensemble is a collaboration between the Kleefstra brothers (Romke on guitar, Jan on microphone) and Sytze Pruiksma. Romke and Jan – alongside Rutger Zuydervelt (Machinefabriek) and Mariska Baars (Soccer Committee) – form Piiptsjilling, and Pruiksma performs with Dutch improv group NoDo. Frisian is not nearly as foreign to English speakers as, say, Russian or Chinese, but it is foreign enough, immune to BabelFish. This way the track titles and Jan’s spoken word seem perfectly out of reach: “De dei oarsom beginne,” “Delljocht,” “Twasidich wurde.” Pascal Savy – while reviewing Tongerswel for this website – resisted the urge to track down absolute translations of Jan’s poetry, opting to consume it rather than comprehend it, through its “oneiric veil.” This seems like the much better way.

After listening to the poetry, it is almost as difficult translating sounds back to their source instruments, and again, it is better not to try. The angular chirping throughout “Sompe rukt nei jongensbloed” might be processed birdsong, or the dissonant squeal of guitar string, or something out of Pruiksma’s percussion arsenal. The soaring and diving tones that identify “Delljocht” lend the feel of a hearing exam. The tuned percussion that flavors “Stadich lit ik dy kalder wurde” sounds a bit like a single key of a piano. Deislieper begins with “De dei oarsom beginne,” built with ripples of Romke’s velvety guitar, and the chilly beacon of Pruiksma’s bell chime. It is long, slow and meditative, clocking in at nearly nine minutes (only the closing track weighs in at less than seven). Over three minutes pass before Jan delivers his first staccato verse. It is mixed well, joining the instrumentation instead of leading it, and likely comes off as lo-fi even for Frisian listeners.

“Delljocht” is next, and likely the finest on the album, with its zoom-in guitar focus, occasional strum, cymbal tapping, and well-earned noise. Moreover, “Delljocht” is where the project most earns its jazz bona fides – not only does Kleefstra/Pruiksma/Kleefstra wander away from the herd, here, but the trio itself seems splintered into three distinct paths: sauntering guitar, sparse poetry, and chaotic percussion. Album closer “Twasidich wurde” is another study in macro lens composing, with reverberant scrapes of pick above a pickup, a feedbacked hand grip on a loose string, and the occasional click of a barely-struck snare drum. These studio scraps would find their way to the cutting room floor on most other records. Here, they are currency being executed in perfect motion.

There are no towering compositions to be found here, no dizzying heights. Instead, this is an unrelenting snapshot of a dark, lowercase and entirely personal vision. Hibernate will release Deislieper on November 18, with artwork by Antonymes. – Recommended!

- Fred Nolan for Fluid Radio

www.hibernate-recs.co.uk

Make sure to check out the free sampler that Hibernate Records are currently offering…

Track List:

1. Porzellan: Rosen

2. Ian Hawgood: The Marbled World

3. Lexithimie: Scale 1

4. Hakobune: Late Spring

5. Strom Noir: Cicada Queen

6. Simon James French: Misery

7. Tom White: Moredon Cooling Towers

8. Northerner: The End Of December

9. Chihei Hatakeyama: Gray Hued Sky

Download here

Also you can purchase hand made CDr (Ltd to 25 copies) – please click the donate button on The Hibernate web site and make a donation of your choice + £2 delivery.

www.hibernate-recs.com

Hibernate Records Exclusive by Fluid Radio on Mixcloud

Now uploaded and available to listen to on the Soundcloud widget…

The mix includes some Hibernate material and tracks from labels who have been really supportive in helping me get Hibernate off the ground > Ian Hawgood, Micheal Henaghan (Phantom Channel), Mike Oliver (Smallfish), Dan (Dead Pilot), Chris (Under the Spire), Jeremy Bible (Experimedia), Barrie Cummings (Home Assembly), Jason (Infraction).

Track List:

Finglebone – Butterflies on lilting leaves
Jednota & Wood Nymph – The nights sky
Relmic Statute – Template for sand and forest
Tom White – On Sundays
Sleepy Town Manufacture & Unit 21 – Pairwise
Martin Herterich – Staring across an empty room
Strom Noir – I feel night is my friend
Ryonkt – Toy camera
Cylon – V
Shail – Pattern 4
Fieldhead – Introductions
Ian Hawgood – Thank you Sara

The label:

Hibernate is a micro-independent label established in July 2009. We release professionally produced cdr and cd’s in limited runs and focus on ambient and electroacoustic music by artists we both love and adore.

www.hibernate-recs.com

The soon to be released ‘Anthem‘ (Hibernate Records 005) is the majestic debut album from composer Simon James French…

It would seem that the label can do no wrong at the moment producing stunning releases time after time. This is clearly the case with Simon’s project, as each composition resonates a deep atmospheric feel, capturing a timeless soundscape of the highest order.

With it’s orchestral like environment of exploration and wonder, ‘Anthem‘ demonstrates Simon’s expertise within the realms of experimental soundscapes. You immidiately sense his ability to allow each track time and space to breath without ever needing to ‘over do’ things, a technique commomplace throughout.

This is never more evident than in the stand out track ‘Misery‘; never overreaching, never trying too hard to overstate, flawlessly encapsulating an eerie gothic feel along the lines of Jacaszek’s creations.

‘Anthem’ delievers ghostly digital portraits with it’s low organ tones and treated sounds…

An exceptional debut album from the talented artist that would be a great addition to any music connoisseur’s collection. 9/10

Review by Daniel Crossley

About Simon:

Simon James French is a sound artist currently based in London, UK. His work is increasingly involved in the art of field recording but often transcends the gap between phonography and sound design. Interested in cross-media work, Simon’s work often contains field recordings, synthesis, and live electronics.

Heavily inspired by the compositional techniques of György Ligeti, Simon’s first release Anthem is full of dynamic movement
and heavy textures that, in its entirety make for an ever changing body of work that invites the listener to fall headlong into this world of sinuous, melodic drones, evocative motifs and cleverly incorporated real-world sounds.

www.myspace.com/simonjamesfrench

www.hibernate-recs.com

Hibernate Records have caught my attention of late with superb releases from the likes of Ian Hawgood, Chihei Hatakeyama and most recently Porzellan.

Now on the horizon comes a splendid release titled ‘1976‘ from the talented producer Northerner…

Northerner’s savoir faire is clear for all to see within this release and captures a melodious atmosphere that resinates slightly with previous Pillowdiver releases. The approach to each arrangement has a soothing organic feel, creating an atmospheric tone, leaving the listener in a state of complete tranquality as gentle layers of glassy harmonics, wrapped in gorgeous micro guitar structures resonate througout the journey. ‘1976‘ comes highly recommended and is a superb addition to the label’s impressive catalogue.  8/10

Review by Daniel Crossley

About The Artist:

Northerner is Bradford (Yorkshire, UK) based artist, Martin Cummings. His debut album “The Ridings”  was released on the Home Assembly label in February 2009 to widespread critical acclaim.  His sound has been described as “ranging from lovingly constructed neo-classical evocations to haunting electronic lullabies and Arthur Russell influenced minimalist techno” (Misplaced Music).

Info:

www.myspace.com/northernermusicuk

www.hibernate-recs.com

Simon James French Exclusive by Fluid Radio on Mixcloud

For those that missed out Simon’s mix can now be heard below…

Elevation // Hildur Guðnadóttir
Cantus in Memorium Benjamin Britten // Arvo Pärt
Esther // Simon James French
Tides // Segue (www.myspace.com/segue // www.duckbay.net)
Metamorphosis: Five // Philip Glass
Oto // Fennesz + Sakamoto
Deep Under // Sawako
The Ruined City // Janek Schaefer

Contact Details:

www.myspace.com/simonjamesfrench
www.soundcloud.com/sjf
simonjamesfrench@gmail.com