For Percussion is a collection of six electronic tracks with various acoustic elements incorporated into the recordings. Some of these tracks were recorded live during performances from 2002 to 2008, while others have been recently revisited in 2022. The electronic components and core compositions were created by @c a duo composed of Miguel Carvalhais and Pedro Tudela, artists on faculty at the Fine Arts College at the University of Porto in Portugal. The percussion is all performed by members of Drumming Grupo de Percussão a Portuguese percussion ensemble founded and directed by Miquel Bernat.
The music takes heavy influence from artists like Luigi Russolo as well as composers as Edgard Varèse Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Frank Zappa. One of my favourite tracks “66, for sampled bells, computer” is reminiscent of a slower paced, modernised trance version of the opening to “Poème Électronique.” In “88,” the composers incorporate various microphone elements and placements to affect the recording a la “Microphone 1.” Finally, Zappa’s references are evident in the first and final tracks, both in style as well as some direct references: take a listen to “Buffalo Voice” from Zappa’s
Civilization Phase Ill for the vocal addition at the very end of this album.
It is difficult to differentiate the original source material performed by Drumming GP with what has been modified or digitally created from @C. The electronic and acoustic components work well together to create a seamless soundscape of sonic explorations. This is done exceptionally well with track “88,” a recording using stones scratching and scraping objects, into “88R,” a remixed version done entirely electronically. Even though they use the same source material, there are little-to-no comparable sounds between the two; however, @C creates something hauntingly similar with a unique, tech-driven aural landscape to encounter.
Although these experimental compositions may not be for everyone, this album generates eclectic effects utilizing wide-ranging sonic interesting, thought-provoking digital alterations and additions, For Percussion provides a timbral spectrum worth investigating in experimental electronic music.
-Matthew Geiger