Cruel Optimism

On Lawrence English’s newest LP for Room 40, desolate drones and voices layer over each other to create a maximal wall of sound. Taking inspiration from the theoretical text “Cruel Optimism” by Lauren Berlin, at heart this is an evocative meditation on the role of power in human obsession and fragility. The list of collaborators is long and impressive, and includes Thor Harris, Norman Westberg, and Heinz Riegler to name a few. Astonishing release.

Related: Taylor Deupree, Tim Hecker ‘Ravedeath, 1972’, Villages

1. (5:30) * Hard Rain—Dense, blinding wall of sound.
2. (2:40) The Quietest Shore—Ominous drone, chimes. Extended fade.
3. (1:36) * Hammering a Screw—Apocalyptic noise from God. Play with the next track.
4. (3:15) Crow—Gregorian chant obscured beneath dense waves of drone.
5. (3:20) * Requiem for a Reaper / Pillar of Cloud—Extremely soft drone, changes midway to something ascendant.
6. (3:10) * Exquisite Human Microphone—Peaceful, distant bowing.
7. (4:45) * Object of Projection—Roaring, billowing noise. Gentle subtler tones spread gradually.
8. (4:18) Negative Drone—Ominous fluttering strings, woodwinds. Long fade.
9. (5:59) * Somnambulist—Foghorn opening. Deep, gorgeous, subterranean drone.
10. (4:23) * Moribund Territories—Slow, melancholy. Voices steadily surface and fade away.