Not a record for everyone, ‘Ancient City’ thrives on nuanced textures, field recordings and cinematic intensity, resembling the visionary approach that’s made Paola Prestini a renowned figure among the world’s top composers. Included in 2011’s ‘Top 100 Composers in the World under 40’ by NPR, the New York-based creative has long championed a personal take on conventional music, drenching her material in obscure, cathartic and mesmerising energy.
‘Ancient City’ continues such a glorious path. In it, Prestini teams up with Nelson Patton Duo for a deeper exploration of human consciousness, particularly flourishing over intimate reflections and detailed observation of the nature around us. A dark, almost theatrical release, the album sees its signature sonic livery come alive amidst Nelson Patton duo’s crepuscular trombone performances, while Prestini lends her sound design and compositional abilities to the cause.
The result is a record that’s not truly describable. We can try, but ultimately the keen listeners have to experience it for themselves, letting the charged musical material absorb them into a higher state of mind. It will be worth it, we promise!
Recommended! Discover ‘Ancient City’ on Spotify:
