A Sonic Revolution: The Pipe Organ Reimagined
The majestic pipe organ, an instrument capable of piercing and shaking the air like no other acoustic device, is experiencing a remarkable renaissance within the UK's experimental music scene. A growing cohort of composer-performers, including notable figures such as Kali Malone, Jonny Greenwood, and Sarah Davachi, are continually drawn back to its vast sonic possibilities, pushing the boundaries of its traditional repertoire.
The UK's Thriving Experimental Organ Culture
This resurgence has been significantly nurtured by a number of key events and institutions across the country. Organ Reframed at Union Chapel in London has been a pivotal force over the last decade, commissioning innovative new works from boundary-pushing composers like Mark Fell, Éliane Radigue, and Oscar-winner Hildur Guðnadóttir. Further enriching the landscape is the fantastically titled Bristol concert series Mainly Slow Organ Music, alongside the adventurous work of organists such as James McVinnie.
Infinity Gradient: A Landmark Performance
The latest addition to this exciting canon is 'Infinity Gradient', a monumental, hour-long composition by New York-based artist Tristan Perich. Originally created in 2021, the piece received a powerful performance in 2024 at London's Royal Festival Hall, featuring Perich in collaboration with the acclaimed organist James McVinnie. The work is scored for a unique and formidable combination: a traditional pipe organ and a distributed array of 100 individual loudspeakers.
Structurally, the piece unfolds after an initial flourish across seven distinct sections. In essence, it guides the listener through a series of meticulously stretched crescendos. Perich's signature electronics—breathing, warping, and oscillating—seamlessly integrate with the organ's own extensive sound palette, feeling like a natural extension rather than an addition.
The textures evolve with surprising speed, morphing from minimalist patterns reminiscent of Caterina Barbieri to the driving energy of a track like Baba O'Riley. A foundational language of drones, pulses, and scratchy hums provides the base, upon which the organ imposes layer after imposing layer. The climactic moment, when the full power of the organ is unleashed and supported by four massive subwoofers, is described as a payoff well worth the anticipation.
This Week's Essential New Tracks
Beyond the concert hall, this week also offers a rich selection of new music. Swedish Sub Pop signee Waterbaby demonstrates masterful craft with 'Beck n Call', pairing a hopeless infatuation narrative with an impeccable piano riff. Hyperpop star Underscores channels Timbaland-era Justin Timberlake on the taut and terrific 'Do It'.
The master of ghostly nostalgia, Mssingno, returns with 'Think of Me', a UKG sad-banger built around a Brandy sample. In a powerful collaboration, Mala & Magugu unleash 'Militant Don', a chunk of classic dubstep that has been energising sets by the likes of Four Tet and Skream. Philadelphia band Nothing presents an inspired fusion on 'Cannibal World', churning shoegaze guitars and dream-pop vocals with junglist breakbeats.
Bradford's JBee reflects on the grind over pink-sunset drill production on 'If I Lose', featuring a vulnerable verse from Kidwild. Finally, New York electronic producer Beau Mahadev leads his debut album with 'Sucker', a track where a tech-house melody ripples through a cavernous space, complemented by vocals that will appeal to fans of Erika de Casier.
