Album Details

• Artist: Sujo
• Album: Diaspora
• Label: Inam
• Year of Release: 2012
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2012-04-14

Ryan Huber keeps cranking out prolific, seemingly effortless explorations of sound. As Sujo, shows himself to be enamored of the emotional potential of many tones and sounds, from ambient and psych, drone and minimalism, to noise. It is the latter that he explores with his usual lingering layers on the new "Diaspora." From the majesty of "Six Days," which maintains a peak throughout all of its six plus minutes, to the haunting "Landing," which blends noise tones in ways that suggest a choir, this is one his harshest, but most beautiful recordings.

 If you don't think there are colors abounding within in noise music, check this out. In between those bookend tracks, there is the stunning and cinematic "Famir," which uncoils slowly but soon soars. The title track uncoils into a beast of sonic power; as perhaps a counterpoint, "Threat" is ominous, remaining taut and thick. These seven songs sustain an emotional intensity that is uplifting; even in its harsh feedback it suggests a rising, ecstatic tone.

Huber has created music that here that is bursting with transcendence, which expresses that massive aim even in its slow intros. The movie to which the music belongs would never be made because it would ask too much of the viewer. "Diaspora" is the best Sujo I've heard, and I think I've been there for all of it. This has a classic feel, and a poetic power that is rare and much needed. And appreciated; they don't all art like this "rarified air" for nothing.

User Reviews and Comments