Early Carbophonics by Andreas O. Hirsch

In summer 2015 Andreas Oskar Hirsch finished constructing the Carbophone, an electroacoustic invention pushing the concept of the African Kalimba or Mbira. Vertically set up carbon rods, metal bars as well as a rubber band gamut make up this plucking instrument which opens up a whole variety of sound possibilities and features rather particular overtones.

Initially, Early Carbophonics was produced upon invitation by Radiophrenia, a Glasgow based temporary art radio station run by Mark Vernon and Barry Burns, and the pieces were broadcasted for the first time in late summer 2016. Here, Early Carbophonics are compiled on vinyl, and in contrast to the digitally distributed tracks, the pieces are mixed into each other on the record. Sketches from the rehearsal room are combined with more refined pieces through editing processes, sampling and effects resulting in electronic music with a warm analogue lo-fi feel of its own. Straightly rhythm driven tracks are followed by ambient oddities like the promenade of an octopus or a probably senile shipwrecked robot that emerges from a castle moat and starts speaking to you with a haunting voice. Occasionally, the Carbophone is accompanied by some other instruments like a Morse key, a Moroccan flute or the Electric Palm Leaf.

Two of the pieces come along with simple but ingeniously produced video clips: Out of Office, an experimental skate clip, takes us down from the studio into the streets, across a graveyard and into the undergrowth of a small garden indwelled by an elegant white cat.

https://youtu.be/wsTePHgfRQc

Balfolk uses material from a folkloric dance found footage clip which was re-filmed from the screen. The slow motion movements, emphasized by the traditional costumes of the dancers, start to sync anew with the beguiling patterns of the track.

https://youtu.be/DTgMAB15HoA

Music, Mix & Sleeve by Andreas Oskar Hirsch
Special Thanks to Volker Hennes for final sound adjustments

© + ℗ makiphon 2018

HirschOnHirsch.com