Full Spectrum Records presents a beguiling new work from Notice Recordings co-owner Evan Lindorff-Ellery: ‘Church Recordings From Monhegan.’ These recordings document Evan’s encounter with the Monhegan Community Church, located on a tiny island off the coast of Maine, during a family visit in the summer of 2021.
The church on Monhegan Island—seemingly always open, allowing one to step into its quaint, echoey, still room, the ocean and bird sounds faded in the distance—presented an alluring environment within which to continue Evan’s recently-resumed creative practice, from which he had taken a multi-year reprieve. During these ‘down’ years, Evan developed a deep attraction to characteristics of space and developed a keen ear for allowing them to dictate his expression and the tools used therein. In this case, a wide variety of both brought and found objects were utilized in activating the church’s rich resonance. Clam shells, sea glass, books, a frame drum, an acoustic guitar, a small piano, metal links, wood, plastic, and Evan’s own bodily movements can all be heard in various states of abstraction throughout the album.
The church itself was also used as a sort of sounding plane, providing a confluence point of interior and exterior atmospherics. The large window of the church, in particular, plays a crucial role in the execution of the work, acting as an organic filter for the sound of falling rain outside.
Two recordings were captured in the church. The first was made in the rainy fading light of the evening, while the other was made in the early hours of the following morning with bright light shining into the space. These recordings are presented here in a largely unaltered state, barring a handful of rudimentary collages.
Truly, this is elemental music from a finely attuned conductor of the environmental zone itself.
credits
released February 17, 2023
Recorded June 2021 in Monhegan Community Church, Monhegan Island, Maine
Two recording sources are used in each recording: one recorded next to the window, and one closer to the objects and instruments being played. There are some collaged elements in these recordings.
Some of the items used: clam shells, sea glass, books, frame drum, acoustic guitar, piano, bell, metal links
Mixed and mastered by Andrew Weathers
Photos by Evan Lindorff-Ellery
Collage and layout by Gretchen Korsmo
Painting by Unknown, 2003
Thanks to Gary Lindorff, Shirley Oskamp, Andrew Weathers, and Gretchen Korsmo
Full Spectrum Records releases the works of experimental musicians and sound artists, with an ear towards idiosyncratic tones, extended time frames and unique compositional approaches.
supported by 13 fans who also own “Church Recordings from Monhegan”
After 25 minutes of wandering piano keys, gurgling and whirring electronics, unidentified field recordings, solemn French horn and plucked bass, we reach something resembling a “song” at the tape’s end. It’s not the destination, but the journey, some might say, but in this case, the earthy headphone muck asks if the dream quest ever truly ends. https://www.vikingschoice.org/archive/amp-stacked-ambient-japanese-folk-black-rave/ Lars Gotrich
St Celfer returns with tracks culled from a series of live shows, each one a showcase for his inventive experimentalism. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 26, 2023
Seattle’s St Celfer returns with four more boundary-breaking electronic compositions sparked with sudden bursts of melody. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 6, 2022
Recorded on the hottest days in the longest year, "Radioactive Desire" is an avant-garde piece with an almost visceral impact. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 5, 2021
supported by 13 fans who also own “Church Recordings from Monhegan”
My humanities professor showed me this piece and i cannot stop coming back to it. Something deep and alluring of this piece keeps me wanting more. Absolutely one of my favorite cuts from last year. Ra!