Where does music end and silence begin? How do we define a melody outside of a conventional song structure? These are questions that the art of Heather Stebbins seem to be addressing. Having seen her live at Rhizome DC and elsewhere many times, I'm happy that she's offering up new material this week on the fine Outside Time Records imprint.
On Separation opens with "Sun Flood", a number which builds from almost nothing. Playing synths and such, Stebbins steers this one towards a modest swell. The music is nearly glacial, but there's genuine momentum here. "Eastern Gray" is even better, with snatches of Heather's cello joining the atmospheric synths and electronics which open up a vast space in the background of the piece. There's a similarity here to some of the early His Name is Alive material that has recently been reissued. The abrasive strings of "Flow Sign" are punctuated by gong hits, with the piece having an agitated vibe that contrasts nicely with the more stately "Wait" earlier on the album.
Heather Stebbins continues to stake out a space that's not quiet ambient. Each piece here in On Separation contains the germ of a hook, even if that musical cue has been slowed and stretched out a bit. The loops of the title cut are lovely, proof that Stebbins can conjure cool sounds with a sort of synthy sleight of hand. The force being barely contained in the title cut is a good example of the drama inherent in this kind of art. And On Separation then is one of the most significant releases of this month.
On Separation by Heather Stebbins is out this week via Outside Time Records.
[Photo: Farrah Skeiky]