Collings, Matthew
Silence Is A Rhythm Too
"Silence Is A Rhythm Too" isnt conceived as the absence of sound like a Cageian silence that is simply a span of time that is empty, but rather how silence and sound can be processed in a composition. Collings interest is musically based on huge densities of sound just as hes fascinated by opposing forces to wrestle with each other. Silence seems to be harder and harder to achieve in this technologically saturated age and Matthew Collings admits that it reveals the habits of his own hearing, from being obsessed with its opposite: noise. "Silence Is A Rhythm Too" is about trying to find grace, space and expanse as much as tension and menace, and reconciling the two. Stepping away from song-like structures, which filled his previous record, "Splintered Instruments", creates more spacious sounds and evokes the impression of time stretched through the three dimensions. Still being intrigued by the idea of materials on the edge of collapse, he catches them up in their dying breath: The record is full of these processes, including prepared amplifiers and electronics pushed to the extreme to coax new sounds, close-micing and high volume. Despite the fact that most of his work is mediated by technology, hes far more excited by the sound of acoustic. Featuring brass ensembles and a string quartet the instruments and sounds are full of cracks, breath, embedding rough materials informed by luscious intentions. Real instruments and real acoustic spaces are used as much as possible during the production such as the electronics, were played out into concert halls and large rooms and re-recorded. "Silence Is A Rhythm Too" keeps an eye on the small textural details as it is about harmony and physicality in the moment where silence and noise meet. For fans of Ben Frost, Nico Muhly, Autechre, My Bloody Valentine, Glenn Branca or Steve Reich