Vanessa Tomlinson — The Space Inside
I’m reviewing a CDR promo of the release- so I can’t comment on the tape packaging it’s self, but sonically what we have here are two accomplished & cleverly crafted examples of percussive based modern composition- which will certainly appeal to those who enjoyed the likes of Z’ev, or Harry Bertoia
The first track is entitled “Waiting For The Passing- For Solo Bass Drum”. This piece sees Tomlinson creating a dense- yet primal bleak & battering sonic storm atmosphere. It ’s built around a galloping & bounding web of deep bass reverberations- these are edged smaller hits, tumbles & rattles. The track creates this barren-yet-smeared haze of blunt, chalky sound that seems to buzz & simmering with grimy & tar black intentions- almost feeling like the audio equivalent of crude & blurred charcoal drawing.
The second track “The Space Inside- For solo Tam Tam”- pares things back more for a more building & shimmering ambient work, which sees Tomlinson creating a piece built cascading layers hushed clutter & darkly blissed out simmer. The whole thing has a very meditative & mind expanding feel to it’s expanding layers- but once again there’s a fairly dark & brooding quality to the track- so instead of candlelight relaxation, this feels like it might be
summoning up something very dark.
With both tracks here find Tomlinson managing to create captivating & skilled percussive works- the first slowly battering you into brooding submission, and the second easing you into simmering & subtle growing darkness.