Solifuge

The first solo album by Joshua Tree violinist + composer Julie Carpenter is electronics-heavy contemporary classical music inspired by the fluctuating weather of her desert habitat. It’s sumptuous in texture, melodic and yet open to unexpected shifts, and could work wonders as a film score. RIYL Christina Vantzou, A Winged Victory for the Sullen, Tim Hecker, Olafur Arnalds. Favorites: 3, 5, 7. No words, no FCCs.

1. (4:32)—Burbling synth arpeggios, deep dulcet tones. Opens outward with a multitracked chorus, guitar, subtle violin.
2. (4:14)—Glitch-like looping, watery kosmiche synths, pizzicato violin, soft glockenspiel (I think).
3. *(5:22)—High lonesome violins weaving in and out of dissonance, minimal bass guitar. Dramatic. I get reminders of Dead Can Dance and Winged Victory.
4. (6:03)—Slow string plucking, wavering violin drone. High, hesitant voice. Eerie.
5. *(3:11)—Swelling strings, glitching. Unfolds to reveal a gorgeous string melody that makes me think of certain Stars of the Lid pieces.
6. (4:21)—Sweet, straightforward see-saw violin melody. Settles into a peaceful, warm C major drone.
7. *(13:12)—Begins with a soft, melancholy string drone and crystalline keys. Turns dissonant and noisy at four minutes. Settles into overcast calm before reaching low-level dread.
8. (7:56)—Soft strings and high voice crescendo gradually and become a formidable polyphonic drone.