Nick Parkin: Geomorphic Resonance Nick Parkin: Geomorphic Resonance (Soleilmoon - 2001) As did Entropolis (reviewed last month), Geomorphic Resonance makes a thematic exploration of inscrutable sonic materials; this time though, Nick Parkin's ears are fixed upon the Earth's very living crust. You could call this "rock" music... in the most experimentally audio/geological form (or you could decide that would be silly, and not call it that...). Parkin's field recordings are mixed with vague instrumental textures of his creation, all coalescing into metamorphosing organic soundshapes. Shuffling ripplets seem to sift and/or sizzle through pleist (8:57) as whispery wind-like currents sway within. Thrumming drones hover over the final moments of this opening piece. Unseen particles undulate and shimmer deep inside cavernous subglacial murk. Some passages seem dense and convoluted, while others are positively airy. Sparking and clashing dynamically, Cirque violently spews metallic emissions which were perhaps raucous cymbals in an earlier soundform. Slithery little sounds crawl from the writhing surface of talus (5:32), sometimes joined by the mutedly gurgling clatter of rolling stones (not to be confused with the gurgling clatter of the Rolling Stones, of course...). The gritty goings-on of moraine sometimes sounds like a microphone in a deep-fat fryer then being rolled in crushed glass on a rough bed of sandstone... at least these are the images I receive upon hearing these enigmatic activities. Subtle activities of mystery (and a few more-aggressive outbursts) make Geomorphic Resonance a strange place to bury your ears; adventurous listeners though will dig Nick Parkin's ever-mutating 8.4 expanses which twist and turn far beyond their unbelievably earthy origins. More eclectic listening from the masters of such, Soleilmoon. This review posted September 29, 2001 AmbiEntrance © 2001-1997 by David J Opdyke (except CD cover art, rights retained by original owners).