Cereus by Isnaj Dui
Isnaj Dui’s latest album Cereus follows a period of work on predominantly on long-form pieces, installations and collaborations. Consisting of nine nocturnally-infused pieces written intermittently over the last two years, the album draws on aspects of recent long-form works. Across the album , harmonies are pulled apart in ‘Humming Motors’, whirring melodies buzz above insistent rhythms on ‘Toy Cars’, and the near static silence of ‘His Peace’ provides a touchingly domestic ending.
Tracklist
| 1. | Pursuing Hunters | 4:50 |
| 2. | Humming Motors | 4:49 |
| 3. | Before Dawn | 4:19 |
| 4. | Biro Lid | 1:59 |
| 5. | Flowing Circles | 4:31 |
| 6. | Horsehair Petals | 4:13 |
| 7. | Curves Towards | 5:01 |
| 8. | Toy Cars | 4:19 |
| 9. | His Peace | 6:26 |
Credits
Isnaj Dui:
Since 2005, Isnaj Dui (Katie English) has stood awkwardly between neo-impressionism and electronica, conveying a minimal yet capturing sound using the pure tones of concert and bass flutes alongside home-made dulcimers and electronics. Having done her grades on flute and cello, English has also studied electroacoustic music, alternative tunings and Balinese gamelan. She has graced labels such as Home Normal, Smallfish, Front & Follow and her own FBox imprint.
Having gained critical acclaim for her numerous releases and collaborations, English has been cited as a distinct voice, taking the flute away from its pastoral image whilst maintaining its unique mellow sound. She has composed several soundtracks and site-specific sound installations, performed in numerous high profile venues and has received extensive attention in Wire Magazine and air play on Radio 3 and 6 Music. As well as her solo work, Katie plays in littlebow, The Doomed Bird of Providence, Busy Microbes and collaborates with a wide variety of interesting people.
Reviews:
Foxy Digitalis, 2021 ‘Still Steadfast is quiet and minimal, but the heavy impact can’t be ignored. English does so much with so little, packing desolation and anxiety into each note.
Concrete Islands, 2021 ‘…this conceptual suite showcases English’s multi-instrumentalist skills – that straddle neo-classical and experimental spheres – with gravitas as well as immense subtlety.’
Textura, 2022 ‘Laapiu exudes a ceremonial, out-of-time character that makes it feel both ancient and newly born. However modest the piece is in its aspirations, it's entrancing nonetheless and trademark Isnaj Dui.’
License
All rights reserved.
Standing awkwardly between neo-impressionism and electronica, Isnaj Dui (aka Katie English) conveys a minimal yet capturing sound using flutes, home-made dulcimers and electronics. As a classically trained flautist, English has also studied electroacoustic music, alternative tunings and Balinese gamelan and has collaborated with numerous artists from electronica acts to folk bands.