Texas-based label Bombay Cove's 22nd release is something guaranteed to please the ears of noise fanatics alike. The instrumentation Gil San Marcos has at hand consists of exclusively... nothing, or no traditional instruments to say the least. The sounds heard on Domes are all created by pedals, tape loops, and contact mic(s). However, this limitation doesn't take away from the album in the slightest. Domes proves that Marcos still has a wide array of sounds to choose from.
It's safe to confirm that after a single listen that this album is a tonal multiplex, even without the bias of Marcos's setup. Without bombarding the listener with an overuse of mindless feedback interjections, Marcos spreads his capabilities over six tracks clocking in around 23 minutes. The opener "Smoke Film" and "Every Clock & Wristwatch" are the only two that I find to be the most assaulting on the album. Their sounds range from distorted slithering to squealing, ear-piercing frequencies (notice the assonance). The title track and "Sterling Chambers" make great use of atmosphere and seem more drone-oriented as opposed to the previous tracks mentioned, somewhat similar to that of Yellow Swans.
Though not completely expanding the realms of noise, Domes certainly shows that Gil San Marcos has complete control over his equipment and uses it wisely. New sounds are introduced in every succeeding track, and none become commonplace. The amount of variety makes this album aberrational, and gives it tolerability that some contemporaries lack. Less bombast, more realization-- one of 2010's underrated releases, I would say.
[Gil San Marcos Myspace]
[Buy Domes from Bombay Cove Records]
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