American Surfaces by Cody Yantis

originally released as a cassette (edition of 50) from digitalis ltd.

There’s something about American Surfaces that feels nostalgic, like I’m looking back on the past 10 years of the label and, using Cody Yantis as a medium, finding meaning within the echoes and spaces. Yantis is a master at bending discordant tones and organic textures into shapeshifting aural masses that creep into your mental crevices, willing their way toward some kind of final resting place. It’s music that has a surprising amount of soul.

Yantis has been making waves all over the place for the past few years, most recently in a trio with Joe Houpert and Nathan McLaughlin as Tilth. But whenever I hear anything he’s done, it is instantly recognizable. His sound is entirely his own, even if it wades in similar pools to the likes of his Tilth brethren (or the always great Josh Mason). This is a soundtrack for those late nights when all you’ve got is half a bottle of bourbon and a fire to keep you warm. – Brad Rose, Digitalis Industries

Instrumental, improvisational, and often string-based, the works of Cody Yantis tend to reside in the margins between tonality and noise. Experiences and ideas of environment provide consistent motivations as Yantis explores what David Teague has called "people suiting posture to place." A member of Untrammel, Saguache, and Tilth, he also works in visual media.

codyyantis.com