Musique Machine / Multi-Genre Music Magazine

Mysteries of nature and the universe abound, so it's not surprising that some of the creepiest and strangest man-made oddities are often overlooked. In this ever expanding world, communication has never been more important, and with vast networks spewing out waves of information (quite literally), not only is it harder to find what one is seeking, but it's easier for those looking to eavesdrop on sensitive information. In a time before satellites and digital encryption, shortwave radios were used to send messages far further than their longwave counterparts, allowing for a grander network and greater communication opportunities. Governments took this technology and used it to their advantage, able to communicate behind enemy lines with spies, sleeper agents, and sympathizers. Enter in the creepiness of shortwave radio, its ghostly repeated voices, pulses, and eerie number stations. Followers of m[m] will most likely be familiar with the Conet Project from years back which introduced many to these odd phenomena, but they were merely recordings of transmissions. Seeing the beauty in these types of recordings, Sonologyst utilized them as source material for his Shortwave Spectrum on Cold Spring.

Taking these mysterious shortwave recordings, Raffaele is able to edit sounds to add alongside otherworldly drones in addition to dropping samples into the mix to add an extremely haunting atmosphere. Harnessing all the coldness of this "ongoing Cold War," the drones and darkness reiterate the clandestine nature and purposeful obfuscation of these transmissions, as well as reminding the listener that the world around them is never what it seems. Composed over six tracks of varying length, Sonologyst weaves together a murky, mysterious drone blanket, oscillating in waves much like these sub rosa shortwave signals. Lulled in with this dark but oddly soothing roll of the waves, the listener is often exposed to unaltered voices enmeshed into the mix. Original samples from these radio recordings have their creep value raised and add further depth and mystery to their existence. In addition to the six pieces on Shortwave Spectrum, a 39 minute track of original, unaltertered recordings is provided. This is paired with an unobtrusive drone that helps to bring the broadcasts together, make them easier to digest, and also ties them even further into the album as a whole.

Earth and its denizens are constantly being bombarded by waves of all shapes and sizes, with very little of the spectrum able for us to see or hear. Hidden in this mix is a spectrum of waves transmitting strange and spine-chilling broadcasts meant for anyone but us. While the general consensus is that these shortwave signals are meant for military and espionage purposes, the uncertainty and overall mood of the broadcasts is certain to leave you cold. Shortwave Spectrum is a very engaging look at these radio transmissions, not only as an aural oddity but also how even creepy bits of communication can be turned into excellent experimental music in the right hands.