Whettman Chelmets – Long Read Memories (Album – Whettman Chelmets)
Genre/Influences: Experimental, cinematographic, ambient.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: Whettman Chelmets has been active for numerous years and has released multiple productions. “Long Read Memories” is an album that has been composed and recorded in between 2000 and 2019. It’s a kind of chronicle inspired by the artist’s brother who was arrested for murder in 1987. This guy is almost 50 now and ‘facilitated the healing and dialogue of victims of crime with offenders’.
Content: The concept inspiring this album has been transposed into an experimental composition, which is now accentuated by cinematographic and ambient passages and than by darker, overwhelming atmospheres. One of the hardest cuts features harsh, tormented screams.
+ + + : “Long Read Memories” has something intriguing for its atmospheres, but especially the darkest tracks will possibly lead the listener into fright. “Steps To The Old Courthouse” is one of these cuts, which moves crescendo towards a climax. Another attention grabber is “Farmers Chemical Plant”, where the spoken samplings empower the feelings of torment.
– – – : This composition is not the most accessible one to listen to. I would have liked to get it darker and maybe less experimental.
Conclusion: Music can be intriguing and even somewhat disturbing and yet entertaining! I get the sensation there’s more in this work than what came out of it!
Best songs: “Steps To The Old Courthouse”, “Farmers Chemical Plant”, “Miller v. Alabama”.
Rate: (6½).
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