Field Muzick is a German label specializing in, you guessed it, field-based recordings. The premise of Field Muzick is blending electronic sounds with field recordings in interesting ways to create unique sonic textures, with contributions from all corners of the globe. Logoplasm, an Italian duo consisting of Laura Lovreglio and Paolo Ippoliti, created their piece by recording everyday happenings nearby their abode in Italy, and the results are a bursting, majestic work.

The 19-minute piece opens with densely packed running water; the sound is so constant that it creates a nice constant buzz as opposed to a dripping tap or crashing waves. Over the course of the first eight-plus minutes, we overhear a lighthearted conversation between an Italian couple, a maniacally persistent bird call and what at first sounds like distant church bells which grow gradually more intense and distorted until it sounds as if you’re right there approaching deafness in the belfry. A brief respite comes as we descend from the bell tower and have a few seconds of quietude to collect ourselves.

Over a low train-like rumble, the water returns, but now it’s splashing around. A mothership of transcendent celestial synth slowly begins to rise, and we are preparing for launch. Our Italian friends return, muttering phrases unintelligible over the dense barrage. Eventually, the inevitable lift-off occurs and we are left earthbound. Although nearly the whole piece is way high on the intensity scale, it is a joyous experience. There is no gloom, the sun is always shining, and the water is crystal clear. “Kane-I-Kokala” was nominated for a European electronic music award, and it’s easy to see why. There is also a bonus track, available for download at the Field Muzick website, if you need more. 8/10 -- Kirk Van Husen (10 March, 2010)