Andrew Smiley - Dispersal
Review by Paul Omer Bicol
Dispersal, the latest album by Andrew Smiley, is a captivating and thought-provoking work of art. This album showcases Smiley's impeccable musicianship and his ability to create an immersive listening experience.
From the opening track, "The Blue Hour," listeners are drawn into a world of intricate guitar melodies, haunting harmonies, and moody atmospheres. The album's title track, "Dispersal," is a standout with its dynamic shifts in tempo and texture, creating a sense of tension and release.
Smiley's guitar work is nothing short of impressive, with each note and chord progression carefully crafted to create a cohesive sound. The album's production is also noteworthy, with a clear and crisp sound that allows the instrumentation to shine.
One of the album's strengths is its ability to evoke emotion and tell a story without the use of lyrics. Each track feels like a chapter in a larger narrative, with Smiley's guitar serving as the protagonist.
Table of Contents
Download
Filename: andrew-smiley-dispersal.rar- MP3 size: 6.4 mb
- FLAC size: 66.4 mb
Tracks
| Track | Duration | Preview |
|---|---|---|
| Dispersal Pt. I | 13:38 | |
| Dispersal Pt. II | 13:31 |
Images
Catalog Numbers
AS047, MF144Labels
Astral Spirits, Monofonus PressListen online
- kuunnella verkossa
- online luisteren
- lytte på nettet
- écouter en ligne
- lyssna på nätet
- escuchar en línea
- online anhören
- ouvir online
- ascolta in linea
Formats
- Cassette
- Album
- Limited Edition
- C30
Notes
- Astral Spirits is quite excited to present the debut solo release from Andrew Smiley (Little Women, Happy Place, Chris Pitsiokos Quartet, etc). Below are his thoughts on the album itself and the process behind it.
- "I would describe my album as intense, stark, and full of contrast. It is a single, 27 minute piece that is fluid and deliberate in its development. Texture, rhythmic propulsion, and counterpoint are crucial elements. I create different textures by using my pick and fingers in unconventional ways rather than using effects or prepared guitar techniques. The sounds are wide ranging, dynamic, sharp, percussive, and at times very dense. There are specific melodies and harmonies embedded within the noisier material, as well as existing on their own in the form of chords and lines. My singing is less prominent than the guitar, but equally important."
- "When writing this piece, I wanted to come up with a language for the
- guitar that was new and complicated, and had emotional depth that
- could be instantly felt. I was also interested in building
- connections between disparate textures to create a more expansive
- overall sound. I have long been a fan of My Bloody Valentine, and the
- relationships between the different colors in their music was an
- inspiration in exploring this approach. Another thing I had to think
- about with this piece, was the role of improvisation. I knew that
- there needed to be improvisation, but it had to stay within the
- formal structure of the piece, which was entirely composed. I viewed
- the vocals along similar lines. Their purpose was to add a unique
- layer of counterpoint that I couldn't achieve on guitar. My vocal
- ability is very basic and limited, but I always felt empowered singing
- within this piece, because I knew I was contributing to the overall
- mood. During the years in which I was developing this music, I spent
- a lot of time thinking about wolves, and feeling empathy for their
- struggle to live alongside humans. I would like this release to bring
- awareness to the intelligence of wolves, and their right to exist
- within ecosystems."
- credits
- releases June 23, 2017
- All sounds by Andrew Smiley.
- Recorded by Ryan Power.
- Mixed by Caley Monahon-Ward
- Mastered by James Plotkin.
- This piece is dedicated to the memory of Webster, and to wolves that are hunted for sport.
About Andrew Smiley
Summary by Paul Omer Bicol
Related albums
