A Peripheral Blur

Album Description

"A Peripheral Blur" is a captivating sonic exploration from James Plotkin, released in collaboration with Mark Spybey in 1998. This album, originally released on the esteemed Kranky label, seamlessly blends the realms of free jazz, drone, and dark ambient, resulting in a mesmerizing 52-minute journey through soundscapes that teeter on the edge of perception. The title track aptly describes the album's essence, with fleeting sounds and textures that seem to appear and disappear at the periphery of auditory awareness.

Plotkin, known for his innovative approach to guitar, uses the instrument as a sound generator, while Spybey contributes toy sounds and vocals as source material. This unique collaboration results in an album that is both experimental and deeply immersive. The five tracks on "A Peripheral Blur" are not just songs but intricate soundscapes that evolve and shift over time. From the haunting drones of "Jute Wheel" to the abstract textures of "Aluminum As a Medium," each piece invites the listener to lose themselves in the intricate details and subtle shifts.

The album's release date is a bit of a mystery, with sources citing both January 1, 1998, and November 25, 1998. Regardless of the exact date, "A Peripheral Blur" stands as a testament to Plotkin's and Spybey's ability to push the boundaries of experimental music. Whether you're a fan of ambient soundscapes, free jazz, or drone music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

1 januari 1998

(P) 1997 kranky

About James Plotkin

James Plotkin is a pioneering American guitarist and producer, renowned for his intense and innovative contributions to a wide array of heavy and experimental music genres. With a career spanning over three decades, Plotkin has been a key figure in the underground music scene, known for his work with seminal bands like Khanate and Phantomsmasher. His distinctive, aggressive guitar sound has left an indelible mark on genres such as grindcore, industrial metal, drone metal, and post-metal. Beyond his band work, Plotkin is also a prolific remixer, collaborating with iconic acts like Sunn O))), ISIS, and Earth, continually pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration. His extensive discography and collaborative projects, including works in dark ambient and free jazz, showcase his versatility and commitment to musical innovation. Whether through his own projects or his production work, James Plotkin remains a vital force in the world of experimental and heavy music.