Crommie, Daniel: Perihelion Chronicle/Journey to the Aphelion

Perhaps no other artist has been more prolific in these pages than American multi-instrumentalist Daniel Crommie. It seems the releases just keep on coming whether its in the form of his various projects like Saturnalia Trio, DC Sound Collective, Echo System, Group Du Jour, or his many solo works. This brings us to his 2022 release , the double CD Perihelion Chronicle/Journey to the Aphelion.

About the title. For those who care or are interested in astronomy, perihelion refers to an object’s (planet, comet, asteroid, etc) closest approach to the sun. Aphelion is the exact opposite, it’s the object’s furthest point from the sun. This has many implications for the planet Earth, not the least of which is our climate.

Crommie is known for incorporating acoustic and electronic sounds and that does not change here. His take on electronica, tinged with jazz, ambient, world, and rock music is quite profound. First and foremost is Crommie’s flute that winds through the electronic infused musical landscape. While some of this music might be considered experimental, the melodies are often scratching at the surface (yes, I’m am a huge Saga fan!). So yes, these tunes have the ability to stay with you.

Perihelion Chronicle starts with “Perihelion Intro�, highlighted with flute and synth work, both twisting and turning, weaving through the exotic electronic sounds. On the tongue and cheek titled “The Bird of Paranoid� elastic like percussion and lively rhythms have an almost trance-like affect, and the sound is crystal clear with an abundance of clarity given to each instrument. “Round and Around� has a funkier sound while “East of Deimos� is slow and methodical with Indian and Middle Eastern elements. “Cave Entrance� is the longest track at a mammoth twenty-one minutes and moves slowly through trippy and ambient textures. The flute offers a mystical and organic sound and is prominent throughout.

The second disc, Journey to the Aphelion begins with “Glass Diamond Metropolis� and its eerie flute trilling and ambient percussion, bleeps, and rich sonic textures. A pulsating groove with crisp percussion and electronics exhibits the album’s immaculate production. “Trashland� is a much weirder track with what seems to be random noises at first, but somehow Crommie still manages to make a cohesive piece of music. With “La Paz� its like being in the jungle, or some other exotic locale, the ethnic instruments creating a cool world electronic vibe.

Three is lots more to discover in these two discs, around two hours worth. Anyone interested in experimental, electronic, world…well you get the picture. This will be well worth your time.

A New Weave Music release.

CD1 - Perihelion Chronicle
1. Perihelion Intro
2. The Bird of Paranoid
3. Round and Around
4. East of Deimos
5. Undercat
6. Lapis Lazuli
7. Chalk Drawings
8. Xanthos Variations
9. Cave Entrance

CD2 - Journey to the Aphelion
1. Glass Diamond metropolis
2. Trashland
3. La Paz
4. Seven of Eleven
5. Day 74
6. Requiem for Mariupol
7. Cities Within Hidden Cities
8. A Forgotten Future
9. Almost Never Until Tomorrow

Added: October 2nd 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist @ Bandcamp
Hits: 870
Language: english

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