In physics, kinetic energy is the energy of motion. It is defined as the work needed to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to its stated velocity. Physics also defines the term noise as an unexpected disturbance of energy or sound. In the Bluecoats’ 2015 program Kinetic Noise, the oscillating force of kinetic motion collides with the intense and startling vibrations emanating from the music of five incredible modern artists.
Former Yes front man Jon Anderson’s adaptation of John Adams’ masterwork “Shaker Loops” has a shimmering energy and utilizes Anderson’s unconventional voice in harmonic balance with a wonderful array of sounds. Steve Reich’s “Electric Counterpoint” has been described as a mysterious comingling of surprise and inevitability, with intertwined musical phrases layered upon and looping around each other. The combined effect of these two pieces is, in a word, electric.
Bon Iver’s “Woods” provides a jarring shift from Justin Vernon’s previous work. The entrancing howl of a cappella highlights what is perhaps his most contemplative and beautiful composition. The entire movement is augmented by the inventive use of a mantra-like progression from Michael Gordon’s “Gene Takes A Drink” that calms and ultimately slows the mind, body and soul.
Critics have often referred to The Books as a genre of their own. Their music has been described as “folktronica” and “experiemental”, and encompasses acoustic instrumentation combined with a divergant range of unique electronic sounds. In an arrangement inspired by their work “The Animated Description of Mr. Maps”, precision is paired with the use of unexpectedly stylized vocals.
“If Stravinsky had a rock band, it would sound like this…” The Belgian avante-garde band Univers Zero was part of a movement called “Rock in Opposition.” The movement strived to create complex and exacting music, a direct contrast to the music being produced by the music industry at the time. Univers Zero’s “Dense” embodies the spirit of “Rock in Opposition” while providing a powerful vehicle that galvanizes Kinetic Noise to its conclusion.
Score & Placement
Season: 2015
Score: 96.924
Placement: 3rd