Beta Cloud — Nephology

In my review of the previous (and first) Beta Cloud album, Coptic Lament, I made mention of the fact that the release was so limited (thirty copies) that I didn't know whether or not to review it. I don't want anyone to misconstrue this to mean that I somehow am opposed to limited edition releases. I personally enjoy them... My only point is that reviewing such microscopically limited releases sometimes doesn't make sense. If they're only available for the blink of an eye, nobody will actually be able to hear the music. Having said that, I decided to review Coptic Lament because the music was very good, and because I believe Carl Pace's music deserves recognition.

Nephology is a very different album from the very blown-out, mostly live Coptic Lament. It starts off with some loud analog noise with the brief Supercell (named after a type of thunderstorm), then launches into the 23 - minute Stratus.

Stratus has an electro-acoustic feel to it, and, like much of this album, comes off as at least semi-composed. It's difficult to identify what devices are used to make this music; It's compelling and mysterious. I may be reading too deeply into this, or taking the title too literally, but Stratus comes off as an attempt to reflect in sound a stratus cloud formation. The layer of what sounds like controlled feedback or analog noise acts as a blanket, while an array of shifting sounds constantly change direction, flitting in and out of the mix.

The 19-minute Cumulus is a bit more wayward, but no less successful. It drifts as well, but differently; There are pulsating multi-tiered drones and melodic pluckings which keep you involved. Nimbus is another long piece which seems to represent the darkening skies before the storm. It's a suspense-filled piece, which is expansive and deep. It reminds me a bit of John Duncan's work, because it has a weird visual and psychological effect. Corona, a gentle two minute piano based piece, showcases Pace's musical training, ending the album with a tasteful coda.

Nephology is a carefully conceived work which draws equally from electro-acoustic, noise and ambient music to create an involving soundworld. Beta Cloud has produced one of the best pieces of sound art this year, scoop this one up. Go here for more info.