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Reviews

Jim Cole and Spectral Voices — Innertones
(Spectral Spiral 6, 2007, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2008-01-01

Innertones Cover art A few years back I reviewed Jim Cole’s then-latest release The Way Beyond, a heavily processed drone-like dreamscape sourced exclusively from overtone singing. This latest release offers some of that, but with a bit more variety as well, involving other singers (the Spectral Voices) on several of the cuts, and recorded in a variety of situations and venues. Three of the four shorter tracks were recorded with a stereo mic inside a large, empty water tower, direct to tape without overdubbing and minimal post-processing. The natural reverb of the tower is the sole ‘effect,’ though it’s a mighty powerful one, especially with three singers as input. There are two sidelong pieces that explore a more vast and tranquil space, heavily processed through loops and electronic reverb, inducing a feeling of stillness and solitude, like an introspective world in the middle of the eternal void. The best way to listen is just to immerse oneself, release all thoughts, cut the chord of consciousness, and allow the sound engulf you. “Arches 2” is one of the ‘water tower’ pieces, the result is more melodic and less drone-like, and more of a spiritual experience overall, warm and rife with color as the three voices cross, combine and intersect. All taken, this is a very special sonic experience that will certainly work best while relaxing, meditating, or traversing the path that spirals down into subconscious realms.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 35, 2007 releases

Related artist(s): Jim Cole, Spectral Voices

 

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