Solitary Universe by Eraldo Bernocchi & Chihei Hatakeyama
Ambient guitar music
Solitary Universe is a five-track album made by Ambient producer Chihei Hatakeyama and musical polymath Eraldo Bernocchi. And, while the music they produce independently is notably different, they share a common passion: the guitar.
Since his 2006 debut for Kranky, Hatakeyama has become an increasing prolific producer, releasing, to date, no less than 49 albums of entrancing, ephemeral music. Using drawn-out synth lines, manipulated sounds and textures (often guitar), mixed with field recordings and fleeting melody, the Japanese producer provides an escape to the good place. By contrast, Italian composer, label owner and ex-Punk Bernocchi, who has collaborated with the likes of Bill Laswell, Harold Budd and Thomas Fehlmann, and put his name to a range of musical styles, including Jazz, Doom Metal, Dub and Ambient, offers a broader and occasionally more challenging listening experience.
Together, using only guitars, filtered, stretched and treated to near unrecognisable forms, they've made a tranquil yet mournful statement. Spread over 45 minutes the meditative vibe is vast and spacious, reminiscent at times of The Caretaker in the conjuring of deep memories, while providing an ideal recess in which to settle. The guitars weep and gently resonate, weightlessly carrying you aloft.
The CD comes with a photobook by Japanese musician and photographer Yasushi Miura and graphic designer Petulia Mattioli.