Francisco López — Untitled (2012-2014)

For nearing forty years  Madrid based Francisco López’ has carved out his own distinctive sonic identity & niche with-in experimental music/sound. Utilizing & morphing field recordings, industrial elements, various types of ambience, and electro-acoustic elements to create a sound that is so unique, creative & often brave. Over the years I’ve heard bits & pieces of his truly huge discography, and always admired & respected what I’d heard, but had only ever been completely bowled over by a few releases.  This double CD set from this year stands as some of the most consistent, varied, and appealing work I’ve heard from him, and like the best review items, it was a real unexpected & pleasant surprise.

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.