Low Point Review #6 : Gareth Hardwick - The Danger of Scenic Walks

Most recent of the Low Point releases. I'm really looking forward to that Chris Herbert and Felix split 7", whenever it comes out... There will be a review here soon after, guaranteed:-)

Gareth Hardwick - The Danger of Scenic Walks
Gareth Hardwick's latest work is released by Low Point as a business card CD-r, containing one 5 minute, 53 second track, called "The Danger of Scenic Walks." Low Point 011 comes with a translucent vellum insert, specially designed by Helene Castro. This excellently packaged CD-r was released for Gareth's European tour in April.

Droning guitar sounds with the articulations totally muffled create the illusion of ambient organs... Warm, rich, low-pass-filtered tones are layered upon each other, with other pulsating textures slowly appearing and disappearing in the meantime. The song is centered around a single chord that drones on solemnly while other notes are added, till it sounds like suspensions are melting down through a body and into a womb. There is a very "interior" sound to this piece; it's not about large, echoey spaces, but warm and close pulsing places. It's like seeing a translucent heart beating in slow motion with a soft yellow light shining through from behind.

Comparisons could be made to Stars of the Lid (Avec Laudenum in particular comes to mind) as well as Oren Ambarchi-- experimental guitar meets beautiful droning ambience. This CD-r is limited to 50 copies, not yet sold out, so be fast!

Hear it HERE (keep in mind that the packaging really makes it worth getting the actual thing though!)