"In the Sea" is a mesmerizing collection of late 1980s recordings by Ellen Fullman, released in 2020 on Superior Viaduct. This album is a deep dive into the world of minimalist drone music, featuring four expansive, twenty-minute pieces that showcase Ellen Fullman's unique approach to experimental soundscapes. The album consists of two 1987 cassette recordings and excerpts from her larger compositions, offering a rare glimpse into her early work.
The album opens with "In The Sea," a piece that immerses the listener in a serene, underwater atmosphere, inspired by the soundscapes and stories that surround bodies of water. "Staggered Stasis" follows, with its slow, deliberate progression creating a sense of suspended time. The album also includes excerpts from Ellen Fullman's larger works, "Work For Four Players And 90 Strings" and "Work For Two," providing a taste of her intricate, large-scale compositions.
With a runtime of over an hour and a half, "In the Sea" is a testament to Ellen Fullman's ability to create immersive, atmospheric soundscapes that unfold slowly and subtly over time. This album is a great introduction to her unique style and a valuable addition to any fan of drone, minimalist, or experimental music.