Council Meeting Memo #121 — Five for Friday

Actress + Suzanne Ciani: Concrète Waves (Werkdiscs, Album)
This recording captured at last year’s concerts in London and Barcelona is delightful. Ciani is recognisable from recent releases such as Golden Apples of the Sun (with Jonathan Fitoussi) and Sunergy (with Kaitlyn Arelia Smith). The darkly textured, grittiness of mid-period Actress (Ghettoville, AZD, LAGEOS) — is absent, instead there’s something of a return to the sound of R.I.P. or Hazyville. We’re gifted with an hour and a half of alternately drifting, driving, waking daydream: spacious, detailed, twinkling, somnambulent. (CB 🇵🇸)

Lim Giong 林強: The Realm of Otherness 别境 (bié Records, Album)
‘Feels like a patient, immersive drift into a world of texture and atmosphere, where detail matters more than momentum. Gradually revealing its emotional depth rather than announcing it upfront.’ And, if you’re only going to ever own one Taiwanese ambient album, make it this one. (SA 🇵🇸)

Rolf Gehlhaar: Wege / Ways (Metaphon, Album)
‘A fascinating archival LP: three previously unreleased pieces that show Rolf Gehlhaar moving between amplified chamber writing, electronics, and experimental sound colour.’ The five-and-a-half-minute ‘Harmonics’ is staggeringly beautiful. (SA 🇵🇸)

Ken Ishii: Jelly Tones (R&S, Album Reissue)
Original ’95 release reissued by legendary Belgian imprint R&S. ‘Sounds polished and imaginative rather than abrasive, with warm synth textures, tight drum programming, and a cyberpunk mood. It may not feel radically experimental by today’s standards, but it’s still a very good entry point into Japanese techno.’ But if I’m being really honest, its the world building around it which still resonates. The brilliant award-winning Manga influenced video for ‘Extra’ which forms the packaging really elevated this landmark release. (SA 🇵🇸)

Harriet Tubman: Electrical Field of Love (Pi Recordings, Album)
This is Harriet Tubman’s sixth album since their debut, I Am A Man, in 1998. It’s Brandon Ross (guitars), J.T. Lewis (drums), Melvin Gibbs (bass). They’re joined here by singer Georgia Anne Muldrow who makes for a strikingly powerful contributor. If you’re unacquainted with the group, think Tony Williams’ Lifetime, Electric Miles, think — no — feel dub, rock, psychedelia, heavy amber, rich wail, dark weight. Play loud and play repeatedly. (CB 🇵🇸)