There’s not much to say in words about the latest release by the still-anonymous Eleh. Important Records’ website is blandly descriptive, but certain phrases are important: “deeply personal/spiritual” work with sound that “has been inspired by the physical world.” These offer a few perceptive clues as to Eleh’s program.
Aside from the basic frame of reference, we’re left with only the incredible music on the disc – four long-form analog synth pieces, pounding insistently, overtones beating, bass tones, digging into a trance state. It’s all very minimal and organic, but somehow thrillingly intense.
It’s also interesting that this is a CD reissue of a previous vinyl release (on Important in 2010). Focusing on the “physical presence of sound,” Eleh manages to draw attention to the physical presence of the format as well. I haven’t heard the vinyl, but I have to think it would bring out different qualities in these immense sounds than the CD does, with its crispness and immediacy. Highlighting these physical differences in music that’s also so beautiful is further proof of Eleh’s refined approach, which like nature itself is supremely ele(h)gant in its simplicity.
