Brad Bordine - Same
(Vitalist)
Brad Bordine hails from Los Angeles, home to more than a few notables in the realm of experimental music, but not a place that has spawned much like Same, Bordine's debut release. Bordine's strengths lie in qualities that might not be the first things that spring to mind when thinking of LA, namely, subtlety, patience, and restraint. All regional stereotypes aside, Same is a surprisingly alluring work. Bordine, utilizing sound and silence as one, has created what, at first, might be perceived as spaces of silence interrupted by stark, simple tones which sometimes overlap, but are often left to float alone into the silence from whence they came. Same, however, isn't as tedious or overly academic as it might sound. Without question, there's a limit to the audience that can be expected to enjoy this album, but any listener of challenging music will know that a dearth of willing listeners says nothing about the quality of an album, and Same is no exception. Bordine's sense of the spatial relationships between the sounds and silence is adroit enough that it is easy to take for granted; his music never seems rushed, crowded, or drawn out for dramatic effect. His warm electronic tones, smooth and rich, are clean without being sterile, and crackle and fizz with depth and atmosphere. The clarity of the recording makes Bordine's work feel real and surprisingly invigorating, whether it be the gentle hum of an oscillator or the stark but delicate resonance of the piano. When, on the disc's closing track, "Chicago," the music becomes more tumultuous and dense, Bordine still proves to be well in control, and remains unpredictable to the end. Same is surely not an album that's rewarding to listen to casually, but will provide a patient, attentive listener with plenty of sound and space to keep them occupied.
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