The
music created by Sybarite borrows as much from the electronica
movement as from jazz, classical and folk. After a compilation,
Placement Issues and the soundtrack to Kill Me Tomorrow, entitled
Musicforafilm, both released on American label Temporary Residence,
New Yorker Xian Hawkins finally releases his first proper album.
The delicate Secropia, which opens Nonument, perfectly sets
the tone for the rest of the album. Here, Hawkins gently weaves
a meandrous melody on an acoustic guitar, supported by insistent
strings, the only purely electronic input gracefully gliding
on top. The track however only gains its full dimension when
a trumpet injects a smooth jazz feel to it. And this is the
strength of this album, as Hawkins relies mostly on acoustic
elements to create fragile sonic structures swirling around
beautifully crafted melodies. Electronic components are not
absent here, but, by applying them in discreet touches, the
man concentrates on the musical aspects more than on the technological
features. The evocative power of these ten compositions is very
strong. Mostly instrumental, Hawkins’s music also benefit
of vocal insertions now and then, with Brook Williams contributing
to two songs, The Fourth Day and Fresh Kills, and Gregory Kenney
performing on Water. The Fourth Day is by all means an inspired
song, capturing the essence of some of This Mortal Coil’s
most ethereal moments without corrupting in any way Hawkins's
own vision. With a similar feel, although somehow more reminiscent
of Boards Of Canada, Fresh Kills demonstrates a slightly more
disturbed pop sensibility. By far the most upbeat moment on
this album, Water remains perfectly in line with the rest of
Nonument. Elsewhere, Hawkins offers intricate little atmospheric
vignettes, with the dub ridden Renzo Piano, with its whale’s
song and gentle melody, and the complex The Accidental Triumph
and Leap Year leading the way.
True to the implied meaning of its title, Nonument is a brilliant
collection of delicate compositions, focusing on tiny elements
to build detailed constructions. Hawkins demonstrates here great
qualities as a composer and producer. Don’t be surprised
to see him credited on more soundtracks soon.
4.5/5 |
