"When I listen to a new work for the first time, I like to imagine the artist's process. With Devin Underwood's (Specta Ciera) music, it is easy to picture someone whole-heartedly, uninhibitedly enjoying his craft. His approach is as much about placing specific sounds in a space as it is about the journey getting there. He works tirelessly to articulate the images and stories in his head through the use of sound design and sonic exploration.
His latest work, "Underpass," pulls the listener along through a range of emotions, like a thread which acts as a sonic guide. The title track, "Underpass", opens the EP with deep swells of ambience, slow-moving melodies and sheets of static that swirl around the listener. Slow waves undulate and wash over the listener. In "Forgotten Room", Devin blends field recordings, subdued notes that seem to whisper, echoes that bounce around, low rumbles, and faint textures of what almost sound like a distant piano. "Unlit Pathway" contains brooding undertones, a hazy, blurry, dreamlike state, wind blowing, scraping sounds along surfaces, and tones that seem to reach out of darkness. The closing number, "Underpass (Darren Harper rmx)", retains the overall mood of the original while new sonic elements are introduced as an awakening with traces of guitar that merely hint at complete phrases.
Each of the four tracks stand solidly on their own - vignettes of a larger picture, a dense, sonic painting. Quiet snapshots in time that have been carefully crafted and thoughtfully executed reveal a lush tapestry and narrative. This EP only scratches the surface of the compositional style and approach Specta Ciera employs. With releases on I, Absentee, Secret Station Records, Audio Gourmet, Earth Mantra, and Distance Recordings, Devin is no stranger to experimental electronic music production. After experiencing "Underpass", do yourself the favor of delving deep into Specta Ciera's back catalog. You will be richly rewarded for your efforts."
It's late, and I'm listening after his death... everything is still, cats & children sleeping...quiet, apart from the rattle of the temperamental freezer...I sip hemp tea, finish some white toast, put down the book & listen... Beautiful tonal waves, washing the beached silence...I could stand in this kitchen, staring into the dark lightening, hearing the birth of the new morning in these sounds... There's a new morning & another journey for us all...Let this take your hand, lead the first step.. orlandolovekill
Wow! J'ai réussi en m'endormir en quelques minutes à peine et j'ai dormi au moins 5 heures. Par contre, la musique a continué à jouer et je ne sais pas si ça affecté mon sommeil en jouant dans ma boîte à rêves. J'ai mal au pieds comme si j'avais couru toute la nuit. Bon, faut que je me prépare et que j'amène les ados hors de leur grotte à Montréal voir la dernière famille qui reste du bord de mon père avant qu'eux aussi lèvent les pattes! :-) Bon temps des fêtes à tous! Take care! xx Lav Lavinie Cloutier
A collection of improvised baritone sax and flute compositions that strike a compelling balance between softness and spontaneity. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 10, 2024