BJ Nilsen & Stilluppsteypa — Passing Out

Passing out is the third album in the BJ Nilsen & Stilluppsteypa series of collaborative albums & much like the other albums in the series this is made up of deep drone textures and field recordings.

This takes in one long 60 minute sonic journey and as the title suggest is about literal passing out- the first chapter in the series Vikinga Brennivín was about getting drunk, the second chapter Drykkjuvisur Ohljodanna the after effects of drink so I guess passing out is the logical next stage. And through one would imagine the sonic equivalent  of passing-out to be one long drone for the full 60 minute length- this is fairly active and shifting it also seems a little bit more positive and less blacked/ creepy then Drykkjuvisur Ohljodanna, the only other part of the series I’ve heard.

The track starts off with this strange approaching washing/ crunching sound that could well be the altered sound of the sea coming in and out and a drone texture that seems to warble in and out of focus as it grows in  power with the washing tone dropping out to be replaced by distant collection of subtle industrial clunks and chain knocks. And just when you expect it to reach a crescendo the pair suddenly drop out of the dense mix into a grey early morning  drone expanse- which feels well like you’ve passed out suddenly. But this only lasts a few minutes before a sudden key hit makes you jump out of your skin. This is certainly one of the most rewarding facets about the 60 minute piece- the way the pair often jarringly jump from one texture to the next . Anyway the rest of the piece moves along in a similar varied manner mixing together drones, field recordings and even some subtle percussive elements and quite a spacey vibe in places too.

Though Drykkjuvisur Ohljodanna was effective in it’s own grim way I think Passing out is a far more muilt faceted piece both texturally and emotionally, showing the pair making an enjoyable long form piece with loads of twist ‘n’ turns.