Kelly Moran’s Don’t Trust mirrors: A Deep Dive into Hypnotic Soundscapes
Kelly Moran’s latest album,Don’t Trust Mirrors,represents a compelling culmination of six years of dedicated work. It firmly establishes the New York composer and pianist as a distinctive voice in contemporary music, moving beyond the more accessible sounds of her 2024 release, Moves in the Field.
A return to Experimentation
Moran’s earlier work, including Bloodroot (2017) and Ultraviolet (2018), showcased a penchant for dissonance and sonic exploration. Don’t Trust Mirrors signals a confident return to this territory, crafting hypnotic compositions that challenge conventional expectations. You’ll find a sound that subtly pushes boundaries, inviting you into a world of intricate textures and unexpected harmonies.
The Art of Deception: Prepared Piano and Electronic Textures
Moran’s innovative approach draws heavily from the legacy of John Cage. She masterfully employs prepared-piano techniques – strategically placing objects on or between the strings – and integrates electronic music treatments. Sometimes, she even plays the strings directly wiht her fingers or an EBow, expanding the instrument’s sonic palette.
This meticulous process often creates the illusion of a harp, a characteristic that will particularly appeal to fans of artists like Mary Lattimore and Brandee Younger. The album’s title, Don’t trust Mirrors, aptly reflects this deceptive quality, suggesting that perception is not always reality.
Track-by-Track Highlights
Don’t Trust Mirrors unfolds as a captivating journey through sound. Here’s a closer look at some key tracks:
* “Echo in the field”: This opening track blends effervescent synths with harp-like accents and a grounding bassline. It evokes a sense of cautious optimism, perhaps mirroring the tentative hope felt as COVID-19 lockdowns eased.
* “Prism Drift”: Moran plucks the piano strings to create cyclical, icy tones. The result is a delicately beautiful melody, perfectly suited for a pivotal scene in a film. Imagine a protagonist facing a life-altering decision.
* “Systems”: This kinetic piece features engrossing counterpoint and a robust keyboard attack. It shares sonic territory with artists like Nala Sinephro, but with a uniquely powerful energy.
* “Cathedral”: The album culminates in its most ambitious and enigmatic track. “Cathedral” evokes the stained-glass grandeur of a Goblin giallo soundtrack, leaving a lasting impression.
A Collaborative Spirit
Moran’s musical journey has been enriched by collaborations with prominent artists. Her work with Daniel lopatin and her performance in Oneohtrix Point Never’s Age Of tour are clearly reflected in the album’s sonic landscape.these experiences have undoubtedly shaped her approach to sound design and composition.
Why Don’t Trust Mirrors Matters
Ultimately, Don’t Trust Mirrors is a remarkably triumphant experiment. Every sonic exploration feels purposeful and refined. If you appreciate innovative piano compositions, electronic textures, and a willingness to challenge musical norms, this album is essential listening. It’s a definitive statement from an artist at the peak of her creative powers, and a testament to the power of sonic illusion.
