#tarotplane

Dorsey is influenced by the space atmospherics of 1970s kosmiche musik as embodied by bands like Ash Ra Temple, Cluster and Tangerine Dream. He has, however, a warmer, more organic sound than these bands. His two long tracks here are less a transmission from deep space, more a missive from nature; to my ears, they evoke flowing water, plants, sunshine, a flickering play of light and shadow.

Side one, the title track, in particular, seems to curve and uncurl in a very organic way, its synth tones fluttering in flute-like tones against great lulling washes of sustained tones. The cut moves slowly, but it moves, great whooshing surges of air brushing by as you proceed. A subtle eastern flavor permeates “The Feedback Sutra,” though nothing so obvious that you can put your finger on it. Even the notes that are recognizable as guitar notes echo with a strange, supernatural reverberance.  

“Between Two Islands” which makes up side two, is layered with dense, overlapping drones. Where “Feedback Sutras” follow a skeletal half-melody, this second half seems to meditate on its notes one at a time, in and of themselves. It is all immediate sensation, less of a journey, more of an epiphany.

Both sides are quite calming and beautiful, uneventful but in no way tedious. There is a stillness in them that resonates well with deep, undirected thought. I looked for video of Dorsey playing to try to get a grip on exactly what he’s doing, but couldn’t find any. Perhaps it’s better not to know?