Hildur Gudnadottir - Without Sinking (CD, Double vinyl LP)

Composed and recorded by Hildur Ingveldardóttir Guðnadóttir in Berlin and Reykjavík Hildur played cello, zither, processors and voice Additional recordings by Skúli Sverrisson, bass and processors on all tracks except track 7 Jóhann Jóhannsson, organs and processors on tracks 2, 3 and 9 Guðni Franzson, clarinet and bass clarinet on tracks 7 and 10 Cello made by David Wiebe in 1991. Cello nr 49

The sound Gudnadottir's cello makes paints these mysterious landscapes with an almost mystical purity, opening track "Elevation", for example, manages to outline an increasingly intense, almost mournful picture with seemingly simple layering techniques and barely perceptible processes submerged by the pregnant sound of Gudnadottir's hugely evocative instrument. But the album also includes contributions from a number of guests - most notably Johann Johannsson, Skúli Sverrisson and even Hildur's father Guðni Franzson, with tracks like "Aether" introducing Harp and wind instruments with a gentle economy that's so fragile and simple it's just nothing short of heart-stopping. The album closes with the dense "Unveiled", an ominous drone undulation steered by those cautious, towering strings and barely perceptible found sounds. It's the space between the notes, the restraint and expectation, that packs the biggest emotional punch on this incredibly moving recording, never allowing those 'cinematic' qualities to get in the way of the genuine dread and catharsis resting at the core of this utterly magnificent album. Amazing music.

Track Listing: 1. Elevation 2. Overcast 3. Erupting Light 4. Circular 5. Ascent 6. Opaque 7. Aether 8. Whiten 9. Into Warmer Air 10. Unveiled

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