In The Far Away: A Brief Review Of The New Album From Immersion (Colin Newman Of Wire & Malka Spigel Of Minimal Compact)

Immersion is a project from Colin Newman (Wire) and his "partner in life and sound" (as the press goes) Malka Spigel (Minimal Compact). The new record is called Nanocluster Vol. 3 and it brings together these two in the service of tunes which are sometimes as light as air, and sometimes heavy with promise. The material here is minimalist in spots, but also warm and full of space for mental exploration while listening.

"In the Far Away" sparkles, the tinkling keys and synth-patterns enveloping those who are drawn in, while the warmer "In Between Us" ascends on the back of chords which seem to be climbing. Hushed vocals give this one a vibe not entirely unlike the recordings Colin Newman offered up on 4AD so many years ago. Elsewhere, "Cross Pollination" conjures up memories of certain Eno instrumental records. It's simple, and still compelling.

Of the three records released in this series by Colin Newman and Malka Spigel so far, this is certainly the one which most recalls those of earlier pioneers like Eno, Harold Budd, Roger Eno, and Laraaji. This is music which works on a very basic level, where there's beauty in the simplicity of the pieces. You can find space within these grooves.

Nanocluster Vol. 3 by Immersion + SUSS is available here.