Nexsound – experimental, ambient, noise, improv record label

Review

Touching Extremes

v/a – Rural Psychogeography

This compilation is a perfect introduction to the Ukrainian label, its target being to present the cream of concrete/field recording-based artistry available today. One can instantly acknowledge the notable sound quality while enjoying long moments of food for the ears: from the wonderful binaural recordings by Geoff Dugan opening the CD, the listener just has to shuffle through the disc to seize priceless beauties such as Rosy Parlane’s “Nica” – pure rainbows of luscious high frequencies – or the subsequent masterpiece by Steinbruchel, “Distanz”. Sorting out names in such a context is not easy but something must also be told about the treated wind used by Anla Courtis – and I don’t want to forget what maybe is the most emotional moment of the whole set, namely The Moglass’ “Koktebel”: probably such a piece defines what lost souls feel while waiting for something that will never be revealed to them. Most of the musicians involved in “Rural psychogeography” are masters of their game, therefore this sampler’s level is one of the highest I’ve met in years: indeed, not an easy result to achieve.