A reissue of some sorts, this anthology presents a solid selection of Iran's experimental scene, which encompasses drone, electronic music, ambient and avant-garde endeavors. Unexplained Sounds Group brings us yet another great compilation through which we can understand experimental music within non-western context.
Music is a beautiful thing. As cliched as it may sound -and it does-, it truly is one of those things that has the power to transcend frontiers, language and a lot of those imaginary walls we have lifted around ourselves in the form of social constructs. You play a song to a group of children and they will start dancing to the rhythm or will start humming or babbling to the melody regardless of where it comes from, what modes are being used or the topic. It’s an instinctive reaction; it either speaks to them or it doesn't, and it will have little to do with the technical aspects.
Historically, it has been easier for the west to glean influence from eastern traditions, even if, more often than not, this “gleaning” act can just be translated into blatant appropriation. Thanks to overly strict political stances, for the east to be able to take a glimpse of the events taking place beyond their own frontiers was, for the most part, pretty difficult. Regimes would put up a ban to everything they deemed a threat to the “established” (see: imposed) values creating a very limited sense of identity. This may sit well with certain people, but for artists, this narrowed the possibilities to expand on the lexicon through which they express themselves, thus creating a creative cul de sac.
A reissue of some sorts, Anthology of Persian Experimental Music presents a solid selection of Iran's experimental scene, which encompasses drone, electronic music, ambient and avant-garde endeavors. The tracks have been remastered and some were added as well. Both actions truly make the experience feel more substantial and engrossing. The sounds are more crisp, a lot of depth has been added creating an almost tridimensional sound and the extra minutes from the new pieces really come as a treat, since the original version of this album does go by quite quickly compared to other releases from this label, which doesn’t come as a surprise, because, in some aspects, this may be the most accessible of the whole Sound Mapping series.
While it obviously has the staples of every Unexplained Sounds anthology or album: mysterious field recordings, heavy sound manipulation, droning dark atmospherics, focus on texture and timbre and obtuse estructures, it does display a wider stylistic palette than other compilations. No anthology is better than the next, they all rank equally since their value lies in the intent to share what’s being done in other parts of the world in regards to experimental music, but this one would the best one to recommend to a layperson who wants to get into the rewarding experience this label provides.
Most of the artists on this anthology are somewhat new, therefore the influence of their western counterparts is still fairly latent; however, this does not mean that none of them have their own unique sound. This sampler manages to fulfill a need for different sounds while also showing how important was the outside influence on their development. “Turbulence I” by Umchunga evokes the feel of most recent Warp acts -the project’s name is even taken from a track on one of the label’s compilations-, but it sounds more like he could be in Warp instead of just being a copy of any of the projects on their roster. Along with Alphaxone and S.S.M.P., Umchunga showcases the more electronic-oriented side of the Iranian scene. Spectro Duo’s soundpiece, “Lajevard Excerpt 2” brings to mind the work of avant-garde and experimental composers like Edgard Varèse or John Cage with its percussive keys and the use of atonality.
The artist with the oldest record is Xerxes the Dark, dating all the way back to 2006; his sole founding member’s presence can be felt throughout the album, in the form of different projects. He is responsible for exploring the darker side of experimental music, going from dark ambient -as Xerxes- to noise (Nyctalllz), and even dwelling into blackened death metal with Ostanes, although their contribution for this album is a tamer piece which has more of a desert-rock feel to it. Due to his longevity and pioneer status within the Iranian scene (he is lauded as being the first dark ambient and noise musician from his region), he also served as consultant for this compilation. His work was really benefited by this remaster, and one can truly appreciate it by listening to “Opscurus”, a cut that relies on field recordings and extended techniques for string instruments (these are only being scratched to produce unnerving sounds) to deliver his unique take on noise; much like the Ostanes track, this is also a tamer effort in comparison to the rest of his catalogue under the Nyctalllz name.
This not being the work of a single artists, the songs are not connected but they do transition very well. One thing about these anthologies is that they’re very well thought out when it comes to the tracklist flow. Idlefon’s “After the Quake” is a multi-structured song, with a Cliff Martinezesque synth line and abrasive, pounding beats which contrasts beautifully by being in the middle of two quieter cuts.
The extra tracks don’t feel redundant even if they don’t really add more styles to the mix. Within all its austerity, “Shushtari” is pretty dynamic with its use of feedback and the serpentine movements created by the reverse tape effects. “Clouds” has all the elements of an gargantuan epic, but unfortunately it falls short due to its brief duration.
A truly humbling enterprise, the whole Sound Mapping series is a love letter to how both sides of the world can feed off of each other with the mutual goal of enriching their cultures. This tribute to our sense of curiosity and unity through creativity is embedded with the heartwarming feeling one gets upon seeing two kids wanting to be friends despite their parents insistence on keeping them separated; it aims for a beautiful balance, and thanks to USG's compilations I believe it can be achieved.