Spectrum Spools has started off strong. While I was first hesitant about another entry into the burgeoning field of Kosmic music, I felt a bit weary. Thankfully Fabric allays all my fears. As it started up, I said “This is going to be a good trip” and I was right.
Immediately you’re brought into this vast, pulsing environment created by Matthew Mullane. Matthew Mullane is based in Chicago but originally came from Ohio. Seeing how many other kinds of musicians of similar ilk came from Ohio, I wonder if there’s something in the water over there because this flows so well. Each piece, whether short or long, contributes to this environment. So many of these sounds are ones you might hear fairly often, like the sweep introducing “Soft Disconnect” but it is the evolution of these pieces that’s truly amazing.
Each piece (excluding the shorter vignettes) builds up so nicely. And there’s never just a single pattern, they are woven together so tightly. It rewards a listener who pays close attention, something I always appreciate. While the synthesizer lines build up, he often includes noises which are considered heresy around these kinds of sounds, like light percussion or melodies coming in and out of focus.
Really, I’m just happy that Fabric finally got the proper attention it so richly deserves. This is late-night, spring time listening. It is full of life and hope.