
Preston Swirnoff - Maariv [Last Visble Dog - 2008]Maariv is an enjoyable collection of electro acoustic pieces by San Diego-based musician Preston Swirnoff, he utilizes;piano, tone generators, organs, guitar, tape machines to create the pieces. Opening up the album is the track Maariv 1- for piano and electronics which ushers the listener into shadowy and darkly atmospheric piano rolls & unfolds that stretch out before you in smog of doomy notes. As the piece progresses subtle electronic pitchers drift by, but never overtake the tracks main piano texture focus.The track seemlying gets more hazy and out of focus the further it goes in, as you get sucked into the hypnotic and shadowy vibe. Next is Maariv 2- For a room full of organs which builds up a sub-stained wall of held organ tones that shifts slight in pitch every so often- it’s ok but did little for me. After that we have Maariv 3 -For Electric guitar which is a atmospheric and slightly creeping collection of guitar tones and loops that have an almost music box quality about them, as the track progresses more melodic and warming tones dance in & out of the often dense layers of guitar picking. Lastly & not surprisingly we have Maariv 3 for four tape machines which brings together a collection of tape tones that sound like a mix of speed up guitar tones, rhythmic matter and ambient dwelling- the track mangers to balancing been quite hectic and a little slapstick with been atmospheric and tribal. So in summing a competent collection of pieces with some real atmospheric flare on display that also show him as an effective and versatile experimental sound maker.      Roger Batty
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