Artificial Memory Trace — Ama_Zone 1:Black-Waters
The 15 tracks that make up Ama_Zone 1:Black-Waters, are largely unprocessed. Unless noted, Kwi primarily just edited and layered sounds, to create an album that sounds like raw, unfettered field recordings. The sounds that make up the album are a variety of nature sounds: insects, frogs, monkeys, bats, and other tropical animals, along with the general environment in all its states. At the beginning of his liner notes, Kwi writes, “WARNING; Do not read!” He’s emphatic that the words in the CD’s insert will influence the way one interacts with the sounds, and explains that no comprehension is necessary to understand the sounds presented. I agree with this proposition, however I wonder why Kwi decided to include liner notes in the first place if he was concerned with them tampering with your listening experience? On the other hand, he does layout and describe each “scene.” So there’s no mystery as to the sounds presented. So it’s really left up to the listener to decide how they’d like to experience the album.
Soundwise, it’s pretty straightforward in it’s content. The sounds of: Japi birds, aquatic creatures, travel sounds, wasps, howler monkeys, tree frogs, and other environmental sounds found in this remote area of Brazil. It’s quite relaxing to listen to, and it really puts you into the environment which Kwi so lovingly documents. I should also note that the clarity is superb. I don’t really know much about the recording equipment he used, but the album definitely presents some of the highest quality field recordings I have had the pleasure of listening to.
In short, I quite enjoyed this album. It’s an expertly captured moment in time. One that I was happy Kwi decided share with us.