Chewing Pine

Chris Schlarb – Twilight and Ghost Stories (Asthmatic Kitty, 2007)

Between running a label, turning knobs and playing guitar in Create (!) as well as I Heart Lung, Chris Schlarb may not have too much time for sleep. That’s probably why this disc, the soon to be released Twilight and Ghost Stories, sounds like a score to the calmest dream you’ve had months.

The ten, un-named tracks that work as one, curiously have little overt direction, something that, similarly can be found on I Heart Lung’s latest release. The one obvious concept that holds this work together though is the recording and incorporation of a rainstorm that Schlarb had the foresight to nab one day. The concept works in a similar way to drones that fill space in Eastern music and allow different players to have a go at soloing. There is rarely a moment of silence on this disc, but the music itself is hushed and whispered, being paired with the sound of rain.

All of this being said there are some stunning musical moments.

About a minute and half into track four, a further distillation of the discs’ mood is proffered in the form of an IDM setting. As with other figures found throughout this album, after hearing a brief statement one may want it further explained musically, but alas, this section only lasts about fifty seconds before the track is again taken over by the somnambulant sounds of the rain.

A bit further along, on the sixth track, we hear Schlarb picking a pre-war blues style guitar line, one even reminiscent of Richards creating something for Jagger. The idea, while unyieldingly sentimental and obtusely attractive remains a foot stomper, only to move on to one other related section. That other section though…well, it’s still fucking swell.

This disc can not and should not be used at raucous parties. It just wouldn’t work. But if you need some music to listen to before drifting off, making love real slow or riding the bus on a rainy day, go get it.