A Fragile Geography is post-minimalist composer
Rafael Anton Irisarri's first album since moving from Seattle to New York on Memorial Day weekend in 2014. Right as he and his wife were about to move, all of their belongings were stolen, including over $50,000 worth of musical equipment. Fortunately, Ghostly International (who release
Irisarri's work as
the Sight Below) set up a campaign to raise money to help him recover, and he's been able to continue working on music and performing. But his third album for
Lawrence English's Room40 label inevitably reflects upon the loss, distilling all of the feelings of sadness, confusion, frustration, anger, and lack of faith in humanity, resulting in the artist's most intense, personal work to date. His previous works ranged from glacial piano meditations reminiscent of
Harold Budd to
Biosphere-indebted ambient techno, and while those influences remain, this album primarily consists of dark, smog-like drone. His pieces typically build up subtle tonal clusters until they inflate into massive clouds of dense, overwhelming sound. They avoid tipping into noise, however, and the melodies (as minimal as they may be) are always present. Static and rainfall sounds add to the dramatic effect, and the rich, overpowering "Empire Systems" is particularly heart-stopping. "Persistence" is much calmer, with a repetitive, pointillist melody unfolding at an unhurried pace.
Irisarri succeeds at creating extraordinarily powerful, emotional works that aren't harsh, punishing, or nihilistic. Even after facing a devastating tragedy, he remains compassionate, and his resilience is admirable.
A Fragile Geography is one of the best works in his astounding discography. ~ Paul Simpson