Ambient / Drone Recommendations May 2016

Review: Lawrence English's prolific Room 40 label welcomes back former SWANS man Norman Westburg, a New York-based guitarist and experimental composer whose musical output has rarely been less than beguiling. MRI was recorded back in 2012, and features drowsy, minimalist pieces - in which his guitar textures are manipulated into a trio of long, slowly unfurling drone pieces - apparently inspired by learning that he'd damaged his hearing. As with much of Westburg's work, it's an arresting, otherworldly listen, combining the cyclical intent of Steve Reich and Terry Riley, with the blissful, slowly shifting sleepiness of the best contemporary drone productions. While some similar exercises result in dark and maudlin music, MRI's pieces bristle with gentle warmth, and positive intent.