Alex Monk - Fragments of Lost Rivers

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 12 / 8 / 2015

Label: Alex Monk
Format: CD

intro

Excellent and thought-provoking ambience on new mini-album which promotes a ceramic installation from London-based musician Alex Monk

London-based experimental musician Alex Monk's 'Fragments of Lost Rivers' is an ambient mini-album to promote a ceramic installation. It is a twenty-three minute piece of three movement and, multi-textured, features field recordings, acoustic guitars, and occasional vocals from both Alex and female-based singer Serenella Noseda. It backs an art work by artist John Holt, which raises issues about the way the world works with nature and we treat Mother Earth. 'Fragment of Lost Rivers' is mostly soft in tone but with dark overtones in places. Featuring bird song and airport recordings, it makes the point that we often forget to listen to what is around us each day. Alex's guitar when it is introduced is vaguely reminiscent of 'Dear Prudence' by the Beatles but in very slowed-down form, and is mixed with the casual elegance of Nick Drake's more acoustic arrangements. The middle segment is moog-oriented and spooky in its atmosphere and with its ghostly and haunting vocals. The final slice is 1970's-influenced and recalls Kraftwerk, An enjoyable album.

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