
Francisco López — Untitled (2012-2014)
From the jittering ‘n’ jarring industrial shovel, churn, tick & buzz of the first track “Untitled #303”. To the wondering & distant horn drone- to sour & creepy childlike harmonics & voices of the final track “Untitled #314”. I was completely taken & captivated by the entire album, so much so I’ve had difficulty trying to get it out of my stereo, to play other things.
The two CD’s come in a fold-out gatefold that takes in a rocky landscape- either as a map or as an overhead shot. This covers both sides of the gatefold, as well as both discs. And then you get fairly minimal information about a few of the tracks field recording elements. And of course the track listings, which are each purely, named Untitled with a number after it. This really added to both the mystery & surprise of the release.
And talking of surprise, that’s another element that’s often used to great effect over both discs. For example, the way a long form & penetrating drone is sudden cut out by jarring sound element, or you're dropped into complete silence. Or field record flow that is either cut in a jolting manner or the way they are suddenly overlaid on-top of each other in a head-spinning way.
Another plus here is the variation in both type of sounds used, and the way tracks are built & composed. On disc one we move from haunting & flintily sour- to- shrill- meets glowing harmonic drone simmer of “Untitled #297". Though to muffled & distant lashing, hiss, and sudden loud rolling of “Untitled #326”. And on disc two, from the layered & detailed field recording maps of “Untitled #317” with shifting layers of penetrating insect buzz ‘n’ drill, & drifts of alien bird call ‘n’ chirp- that all to create a general feeling of jungle Malay & disorientation. Though to the building “Untitled #324” which opens with on-off sub-bass probe, eerier organic rushes, and drifts of silence; before opening out into sustained & piecing drone pressure. Onto the taut & detailed sonic map of pops, clicks & snaps that is “Untitled #319”.
Untitled (2012-2014) offers up a selection of highly skilled, cleverly tooled, and rewarding sound works. Due to the variation & elements of surprise present through out this two-disc set, I can see it appealing right the way across experimental sound fandom. From those who enjoy drone matter, fans of field recordings, those who enjoy moody electro-acoustic improv, through to fans of textured noise, and beyond.
