Various Artists – BUCHLAÏSMS pt.3 (Digital, 2023)

No.5186

GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker, 11/10/23:

The creative minds behind the “BUCHLAÏSMS” series have outdone themselves with their third installation, “BUCHLAÏSMS pt.3.” This captivating compilation is a testament to the limitless potential of the Buchla synthesizer. The collection features an array of artists who, through their unique interpretations and musical explorations, pay tribute to this revolutionary instrument.

The album opens with Suzanne Ciani’s “Concert Practice 1,” a beautiful composition that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Ciani’s mastery of the Buchla synthesizer is evident in the track’s intricate layers and ethereal soundscapes.

The album then takes us through a sonic journey with tracks like Layne’s (Rachel Aiello) “Cyclone,” which showcases the artist’s innovative use of the Buchla synthesizer to create a whirlwind of sound. Illusion Of Safety’s “Fleeting Effects of Light and Movement” adds a hauntingly beautiful layer to the album, while Thomas Dimuzio’s “Foldings VII (Headhunters)” intrigues with its complex rhythms.

Philippe Petit’s “Elephant Seals breeding on the beach at Punta Ninfas” stands out with its organic sounds and evocative imagery. Encoder (Gàbor Kakuk)’s “The Uninvented Spores” further pushes the envelope with its experimental approach.

The album concludes with Kevin Rix’s epic, “The Thing part 1,” a 25-minute odyssey that encapsulates the limitless possibilities of the Buchla synthesizer.

“BUCHLAÏSMS pt.3” is a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the enduring legacy of Donald “Don” Buchla. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in electronic music and the history of synthesizers. The album is a testament to the unique soundscapes that can be created with the Buchla synthesizer, and serves as an homage to its creator.

It’s well worth a trip to the Modulisme website and immerse yourself in the detailed background of this and other albums in the series, where you’ll be treated to firsthand accounts of the compositions and insights from the artists involved.

Beautiful work!

Media: Digital.

Visit Modulisme

Bandcamp URL: https://modulisme.bandcamp.com/album/modulisme-session-093


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