Sound sculpturer, Kenneth James Gibson, is never far away from delivering something. His sixth experimental release sees the Bell Gardens leader team up with saxophonist, Paul Carman; previously a disciple of Frank Zappa and a part of what the nomadic herdsman once described as, “The best band you never heard in your life”.
In somewhat of a union from left field, it’s often these collaborations that offer the most compelling results, and on Murals for Immersion, Gibson and Carman deliver just that. Few explore the inner grains of sound like Gibson, and alongside Carman, the pair orchestrate a panoramic view inside the realm of deep listening.
The pair began exchanging ideas at Gibson’s Idyllwild studio in 2022, laying down a multitude of layers which form the bedrock of Murals for Immersion. Gibson leans on his experience in film and television scores with humid drones that slowly drip from the speakers, while Carman adds the necessary embellishments to create a series of soothing sonics that nestle into the corners of the mind.
Perhaps there’s no better example of this than Finding New Language – an expansive moodscape with Carman’s saxophones giving the piece an exquisite new dimension. It’s warm, slow-motion drone that doesn’t immediately penetrate but instead washes over you, taking hold like a narcotic agent.
It extends beyond the mediative aesthetic Gibson has accomplished during recent releases such as Groundkeeping and Ssih Mountain, and it continues with Selective Noticer. More of an interlude that bleeds into the title track and 4 Corners. Carman’s lurking saxophones reach for vast space, and unpinned by Gibson’s Moog Prodigy bass, the pair deliver a series of sounds that form images where sultry terrains and autonomy are prevalent.
Quite the contrast to Above Suicide Park. With hymnal-like grandeur, Carman takes the lead with saxophones that reach the church ceiling like wisps of smoke, enveloping the space with a new sense of calm. On Tonio Between Two Poles, it’s Gibson’s turn to find new emotional depth, with a composition of stirring synths and arrangements that expose the secluded parts of the soul.
Essentially, this what all good deep-listening records can do. As a listener, it’s a labyrinth in search for that moment where the sound truly consumes both in body and mind. Gold dust through the inner grains of sound, and on Murals for Immersion, Gibson and Carman mirror the title with something that celebrates movement and open space, and the freedom these things can bring. It’s a striking alliance between the two artists, which is hopefully just the beginning.
Murals for Immersion is out Friday via Important Records / Cassauna. Purchase from Bandcamp.
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[…] last year’s excellent collaboration alongside Paul Carman, Murals of Immersion – a releases that gracefully explored the landscapes of deep listening – Gibson returns with […]