Emerging Tracks of the Week
Originating from New York and London
Suggested for fans of Kali Malone, Éliane Radigue, Caterina Barbieri, and the sounds of Burial’s Comafields
What’s next? The release of the Infinity Gradient album on November 21
The pipe organ has a unique allure for avant-garde musicians, unmatched by any other acoustic instrument in its ability to fill and vibrate the surrounding air.
Artists like Kali Malone, Jonny Greenwood, Ellen Arkbro, Sarah Davachi, and Kit Downes have tapped into the organ’s rich potential, sparking a vibrant experimental organ scene in the UK. This burgeoning culture has been nurtured by events such as Organ Reframed at Union Chapel in London, which has commissioned works from composers like Mark Fell, Éliane Radigue, and Hildur Guðnadóttir over the last decade, as well as the inventively titled Bristol concert series Mainly Slow Organ Music. Pioneering organists like James McVinnie have also played a crucial role.
Infinity Gradient is the latest addition to the expanding repertoire of organ music that begins with serenity but gradually unveils layers of complexity and texture. This hour-long composition for organ and 100 loudspeakers was penned by Tristan Perich, a New York-based composer, in 2021 and performed alongside McVinnie at London’s Royal Festival Hall in 2024. Starting with an introductory flourish, the composition unfolds across seven sections, primarily navigating through a series of elongated crescendos.
Perich’s integration of dynamic, morphing electronics complements the organ’s vast sonic spectrum. His electronic textures fluidly transition through various moods; oscillating patterns shift from Caterina Barbieri’s style to echoes of Baba O’Riley. The foundational elements of this musical expression include drones, pulses, and scratchy hums, over which the organ layers additional, commanding textures. The moment when the full organ power is unleashed, enhanced by four massive subwoofers, is a highlight not to be missed. Hugh Morris
This Week’s Top New Music Tracks
Waterbaby – Beck n Call
Delivering a powerful vocal about unrequited love, this Swedish artist signed by Sub Pop records introduces one of the most compelling piano riffs recently heard, which seamlessly transitions into a lush string arrangement: a true display of musical craftsmanship.
Underscores – Do It
Engaging in the new Danny Brown album as a key collaborator, this hyperpop sensation weaves influences from Timbaland-era Justin Timberlake into a tight, impressive track that’s a throwback to classic 00s MTV dance routines.
Mssingno – Think of Me
Combining a Brandy sample with a UKG beat might not break new ground, but Mssingno excels in crafting these hauntingly nostalgic tunes, with a chorus that is pure euphoric melancholy.
Mala & Magugu – Militant Don
A staple in sets by DJs like Four Tet and Skream, this slice of classic dubstep now reaches the masses with a resonant bang, enriched by Magugu’s dynamic, Flowdan-style vocal delivery.
Nothing – Cannibal World
This Philadelphia band merges dense shoegaze guitars with ethereal dream-pop vocals against a backdrop of energetic junglist breakbeats, creating an utterly unique musical blend.
JBee – If I Lose (ft Kidwild)
Set against a backdrop of dreamy drill beats produced by DCBeats, JBee candidly contemplates the relentless pace of life, while Kidwild, after a standout year, shows his softer side, yearning for comfort and connection.
Beau Mahadev – Sucker
The opening track from the NYC electronic producer’s atmospheric debut album, Subterra, features a tech-house melody that dances through the track like a vibrant tropical fish in a deep sea cave; fans of Erika de Casier will also appreciate the vocals.
Ben Beaumont-Thomas
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
