Even though I enjoy the work of noise-head Damion Romero, I didn't initially buy this 7" single for the music; it was the Maya Miller artwork and white vinyl combo that dragged me in.

 

Heavy Tapes

It's probably just as well I wasn't looking for two sides of music from Romero's new project with Shannon Walter, as one side of the disc is a field recording taken from a camping trip. It definitely works on a few levels though, sounding idyllic enough to make me want to get out there in the wide open blue. With birds tweeting happily and the running of distant water, I can at least close the curtains pretend and I'm out there.

The other track is more familiar Romero territory, a dark mire of sinking tones that float down against the notes of other rising lines. It's enjoyably ponderous, rumbling back and forth for the duration of the vinyl. Both disparate cuts are agreeable, but it might've been more interesting to hear a mash-up of both sides.


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