Lia Kohl is one of the most inventive musicians working today. Transforming found sounds into music, Kohl's work is something I've tried to champion here. From recent work with Macie Stewart of Ohmme, and on back further, Lia has managed to surprise me. And after 18 years of reviewing approxiamately 300 albums a year, that's saying something.
Various Small Whistles and a Song is Lia Kohl's newest record. As the title might imply, this is found sounds, in this case, whistles. The whistles are embellished with synths and cello from Kohl, and the textures and settings of each short piece make this music which is utterly special. "Basketball Court" with Macie Stewart adds warm keyboards to the mix, while "Sullivan's Island Beach, Charleston" lets the wind noise nearly engulf the actual whistle. While that one is subtly claustrophobic, "Walking Home, Los Angeles" with Patrick Shiroishi is more nimble, a hint of New Wave in the vibe. "Home, Los Angeles with Claire Rousay is haunting. There's something pure and perfectly realized about this that makes the music more than just an experiment with found sounds.
While it might sound odd to say that one of this week's best releases is an album of whisting, that's the truth. Various Small Whistles and a Song is so clever, and so deftly presented that the gimmick of the concept is overshadowed by just how elegant the material is in the hands of Lia Kohl. This is one of many of her records which has utterly captivated me. Bold, playful, and beautiful in spots, Various Small Whistles and a Song is highly recommended.
Various Small Whistles and a Song is out this Friday. Details via Bandcamp below.
[Photo: Leah Wendzinski]