A Closer Listen
Summer is a time for open books, whether one is relaxing on a worn sofa, a towel or an Adirondack chair. The phrase “an open book” is used to describe trust and relatability. After working together on a remix, Shelf Nunny and IKSRE (Christian Gunning and Phoebe Dubar) decided to stay in touch and continue their collaboration by producing an EP described as a short story, decorated by electronics and light vocal play.
By now we can certainly say, “It’s Been a Long Winter,” although this winter may be as much metaphoric as it is physical. The combination of beats, viola and wordless vocals eases the listener gently into the EP with a trip-hop flavor. The entire project is laid back, suffused with warmth. The first half of “Falling” seems more like rising as guitar is joined by keys, then snares, which fade into a synthesized pattern that itself fades, laying Dubar’s voice bare – but not for long. The trajectory feels like a transition between seasons, both summer to fall and falling in love. As “Night Walk” heads in the opposite direction, adding parts as it progresses, the cycles feel even deeper.
“Sleepy Day” is the EP’s most languid piece, gauzy and fuzzy as a cloudy morning. From this doze arises the most emotional piece, despite having but a single line; we’d like to think that “You Don’t Have to Go” means stay, the day is still young and many are the possibilities rather than please don’t leave; the timbre may suggest either scenario, depending on the listener. Since “Drifting” sounds more like reverie than rejection, we’re going with the former reading; but we’re romantics. The unusually long fade invites the imagination to enter. This open book has an open ending, and we can’t wait to read the next chapter. (Richard Allen)
Sun Jun 11 00:01:56 GMT 2023