Stream: Corrector Records Vol. 2: Impossible Musics

Just when I am starting to think I have some kind of handle on what’s going on in the local experimental music scene, Corrector Records comes out with a new compilation of music from artists that are mostly completely under my radar. That is certainly the case with Corrector Vol. 2: Impossible Musics, the latest installment.

Vol. 2 is, in the label’s words “the conception of composer producer and guitarist Ryann Daisy Swimmer to make a compilation of works that are impossible, improbable or impractical for human performance.” It’s a compilation of tunes from nine individual artists, each with their own unique approach to songcraft.

The works are computer generated and if you take a look at the score on the cover art you might start to get a sense of how difficult they would be for human performance. As far as the music goes its a pretty eclectic mix – some of the songs are little more than clicks and tones, digitally warped and chopped into unorthodox structures. The two Ryan Schneider pieces, both kind of gothic wild rides on the pipe organ, are probably the closest in structure to “traditional” (but still quite a ways off from what you might hear on mainstream radio). 

In all honesty it’s probably not something I’d put on for a night of casual listening with the family. That being said, I can appreciate Impossible Musics it for what it is: artists playing out on the outer limits of music, discovering and innovating, and pushing those boundaries further. Every new major musical style sounded pretty damn weird to those who had no experiential context around it. Perhaps we’re due for another reckoning when it comes to the medium. 

You can stream and purchase Impossible Musics below. There is an option for digital, as well as limited edition cassette, as well as a 142 page (!) score book (likely available later this month).

As always, keep an eye on Corrector Records because they’re constantly working on new and exciting things!