Aldartal's "Presolar Grains" is undoubtedly a remarkable masterpiece that takes the listener on an extraordinary sonic journey. To truly appreciate this album, one must break free from conventional musical expectations and embrace the avant-garde brilliance that Aldartal has crafted.
The album beckons you to open your mind and venture beyond the confines of traditional music. Aldartal's creative vision transcends the ordinary; he has shattered the boundaries of composition by guiding sounds to their intended destinations, resulting in an unparalleled auditory experience. "Presolar Grains" is a prime example of Indeterminacy music—a composition style that welcomes chance and the interpreter's personal touch. This approach, championed by avant-garde pioneer John Cage, allows for multiple interpretations and performances of a single piece.
The opening track, aptly titled "Presolar Grains," is a fusion of "field recordings" captured using a phone, subsequently manipulated through post-production effects. The result is an intriguing blend of organic sounds transformed into an otherworldly symphony. In "Sylacauga" and "Chondrite," the second and third tracks respectively, Aldartal employs an unconventional technique: he records by holding and releasing a TS cable connected to an array of around 20 guitar pedals. This unorthodox method generates a diverse palette of sounds that he skillfully weaves together.
At first encounter, "Presolar Grains" may appear as an ambient piece dominated by drone-like synthesizers. However, with each successive listen, Aldartal's mastery becomes increasingly evident. Beneath the surface lies a tapestry of sound, each piece evolving continuously with unexpected shifts. Unlike traditional compositions featuring discernible melodies and harmonies, Aldartal approaches his music from a fresh perspective. He presents a unified entity—a holistic soundscape that intertwines various layers without rigid divisions between melody and accompaniment.
In essence, "Presolar Grains" invites listeners to embark on an expedition through uncharted musical terrain. Aldartal's audacious departure from conventional instruments and his daring embrace of chance and experimentation yields a sonic tapestry that captivates the senses. The album is an auditory canvas painted with intricate textures and unpredictable patterns, Aldartal guides the sound in his compositions the same way Jackson Pollock guides the paint on his canvas.
As you allow yourself to be enveloped by the captivating sounds, you'll discover that "Presolar Grains" is not merely an album; it's an immersive encounter that encourages you to explore the outer realms of musical expression.
Aldartal's "Presolar Grains" stands as a testament to artistic innovation. With its enigmatic soundscapes and unconventional creation methods, the album defies categorization and challenges listeners to reevaluate their perceptions of music. Open your ears, open your mind, and let the enthralling journey of "Presolar Grains" commence.