David Grubbs and Jim O’Rourke were two of the most influential figures in Chicago’s vibrant end-of-the-century music scene. More importantly, they are pivotal figures who shaped the foundations and essence of contemporary experimental music so profoundly that one might argue that current experimental musicians, like those under the Tzadik label and the so-called “laptop composers,” can no longer be defined as “experimental music” but rather as a genre that happens to be called experimental. This statement does not diminish the efforts of these musicians, but it is interesting how many of these experimental musicians sound too similar to the experiments and proposals of David Grubbs, Jim O’Rourke, John Zorn, Otomo Yoshihide, and other geniuses of experimental music born in the '60s and '70s.

After more than a quarter of a century, we are delighted to receive a new compilation of tracks from David Grubbs and Jim O’Rourke’s most ambitious collaboration: Gastr del Sol. This album with the name “We have dozens of titles” features recordings from their final concert in 1997 at the Festival International de Musique Actuelle de Victoriaville in Québec, alongside selected studio tracks from their entire career. It's a Gastr del Sol collector’s dream, now made easily accessible on Spotify and other streaming platforms.

The music on this album is a compelling mix of harmonically static songs, featuring resonant piano chords surrounded by airy ambiances. Other pieces, like “The Seasons Reverse,” exhibit complex polyphonic textures and intricate counterpoint writing. Regardless of the level of complexity, all tracks are enriched with captivating field recordings and ambient sounds.

This reissue is not just an expression of the love that David Grubbs and Jim O’Rourke had for their ambitious music project, nor is it just a nice collection for old fans. It also serves as a gateway for new listeners to discover the ambitious project that shaped an entire generation of ambitious artists.

Author: Martín Cacho

Martín is a video game composer, producer and writer from Sonora, México.