SLOW SIX - Private Times In Public Places

American outfit Slow Six are reissuing on Western Vinyl a work of theirs that has long been out of print. Originally released in 2004 by the now-defunct If.Then.Else Records, "Private Times In Public Places" consists of three supple, heavily stretched-out instrumentals (averaging around 20 minutes apiece) that echo a certain strain of chamber classical music, framed by gentle, largely unobtrusive electronic touches.

The great merit of these compositions is their strongly relaxing (even therapeutic) effect, which allows the listener to immerse themselves deeply in notes that unfold with great precision; there's just a hint of improvisation in the digital phrasing, but otherwise every single element seems calculated and carefully placed at a precise moment.

The opener "This Is Your Last Chance (Before I Sleep)" coagulates streams of violin and keyboard hisses, blending it all together with minimalist sensitivity; the second track, "Evening Without Atonement", is skilfully guided by wavering drops of fragmented sound, trailing a dreamlike atmosphere for eighteen minutes without ever growing tiresome; the longest and most intricate piece, "The Lines We Walked When We Walked Together", unfolds with consistency and deliberate slowness between ethereal classicism and edges that hint at experimentation disguised as melodic hermeticism.

Not a record for every moment and every season, this is aimed at a niche of listeners well-versed in classical-leaning ambient, but also willing to venture into territory that's not always easy to digest.

Ride the wave of great music

Add OndaRock to your favorite sources on Google Discover. Don't miss our reviews, milestones and latest news straight in your feed.

Follow on Google

06/04/2008