No.5224
GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:
The sonic landscape that is “Trash Milagro” marries the unconventional artistry of Rafael González and Hal McGee, bringing together a myriad of sound sources from their respective environments. As a fan of dictaphone assemblage audio folk art, this album offers an intriguing auditory journey through the everyday sounds that surround us.
Recorded in November 2023 across The Canary Islands, Spain, and Gainesville, Florida, USA, these artists have transformed the mundane into the extraordinary. The album thrives on its authenticity and the joy, friendship, and love with which it has been offered to listeners.
Rafael’s sound sources are diverse and intriguing, ranging from his voice and Korg Monotron, Korg Monotribe, Smartphone sounds, field recordings, household objects, and utensils, to more traditional musical instruments like the trumpet. His use of manipulated cassettes and short circuits on Korg Monotron Delay adds a layer of experimental intrigue.
Hal, on the other hand, incorporates a more personal touch to his sound sources. His voice, family, co-workers, and even his dog Stanley, all contribute to the sonic tapestry of this album. Hal also introduces a variety of musical instruments, including a circuit bent Casio SK-1, a two-string pink dumpster guitar, and transparent plastic ukulele, adding unexpected musical dimensions to the overall sound.
Featuring their mutual friend Trevor Luke, the album includes Trevor’s voice and analog synthesizer play, further enriching the auditory experience.
Constructed from 624 individual recordings made during November 2023 using pocket-sized digital dictaphones, “Trash Milagro” is a testament to the power of everyday sounds. Or, perhaps, it’s a testament to the power of our minds to disassemble a sonic “randominity” (to coin a phrase) stream into some kind of sense. Whatever it is, Trash Milagro is mixed together using without any additional effects and its raw authenticity of these recordings shines through.
The album is divided into six 15-minute tracks, each offering a unique auditory journey. It’s an immersive 90-minute experience meant to be savored in its entirety, though the track divisions provide convenient listening intervals.
“Trash Milagro” is indeed a trash assemblage, but in the most artistic sense. It’s an album that invites listeners to find beauty in the mundane, transforming everyday sounds into a symphony of life’s simplest moments. It works both as an immersive sensory experience and a background ambience, offering a sort of musical synesthesia that is both intriguing and enjoyable.
The album also features liner notes and a couple panoramic collages with photos of things found in the bustle of the recordings.
You can explore this fascinating sonic landscape at halmcgee.bandcamp.com.
Media: Digital.
Visit Hal McGee / HalTapes / Electronic Cottage
Bandcamp URL: https://halmcgee.bandcamp.com/album/trash-milagro
