- Based in Liverpool, Immix describes itself as "a new music ensemble who focus on collaborations with innovative musical voices from across the UK." Its latest project, Transition, was composed by Immix founder Daniel Thorne and Vessel, the experimental Bristolian producer connected to Tri Angle and Young Echo. Their electro-acoustic pieces have a theme loosely based on technology—"each instrument provides us with a snapshot of the cutting-edge technologies of a particular time and place," explains a press release—and were first performed at Tate Britain and the University Of Liverpool in the fall of 2014.
Thorne's saxophone is a prominent sound here, along with the ensemble's cello, clarinet, violin, trumpet, oboe and light percussion. Vessel, however, mostly contributes brittle textures and disquieting atmospheres. Electronic screeches, sustained waveforms and distortion color the climax of "What Hath God Wrought?" and flank the edges of "Battle Cry," and are used even less in "De Revolutionibus" and "Scope."
The orchestration at the music's core is captivating and curious. Thorne hints at Johnny Greenwood's kind of unresolved dissonance, letting it stab, recoil and drone through otherwise consonant compositions. Interesting as the ensemble sounds, it's hard not to wonder what more a sonic savant like Vessel could have brought to the table beyond piercing frequencies and rumbling static. Transition isn't innovative, but it's a step in the right direction.
TracklistA1 What Hath God Wrought?
A2 De Revolutionibus
B1 Scope
B2 Battle Cry