Crystal Ark - The Tangible Presence Of The Miraculous

If there is a driving motive at the heart of Gavin Russom s latest project The Crystal Ark, it is to create music that communicates and compels physicalityand movement. The group s first single, aptly named The City Never Sleeps (DFA2241), is as tireless as the title suggests an invocation tomove, crafted by a visionary. Unlike its hypnotic predecessor, which slow-burned and subtly seducedlisteners into physically responding, The Tangible Presence of the Miraculous, a composition of nakedly energetic and urgent inducements todance, is explicit in its urgings. Rhythm sits at the forefront from the veryoutset: Polyrhythmic drumming forms the centerpiece for half-exhaled, halfsungmale and female vocals and an electronic buzz that rises and falls in both volume and time. From there, the song shifts through moods, but nevershakes its focus on percussion, which morphs from organic to electronic twisting, changing, evolving and taking various shapes over its 14-minute runtime. Along the way, vocals in Spanish and English provided by frequentCrystal Ark collaborator Viva Ruiz take and relinquish control of a soundtrack that progressively swells and, ultimately, diminishes in layers of synths. By songs end, only a pulsing drone and persistent electro-percussion remains. The Tangible Presence of the Miraculous also features a guest vocal appearance from Lizzy Yoder (formerly of Fischerspooner) and live percussionby Alberto Lopez. In addition to The Crystal Ark, Russom has released material as Black Meteoric Star and in collaboration with Delia Gonzalez. Most recently he has contributed to LCD Soundsystem both in the studio and as part of the live band.

Be the first to review this record. Best reviewer each month gets £10 off their next order!