AustraLYSIS: Nuraghic Echoes

AustraLYSIS are a little known Australian musical project, specialising in laptop composition and processing of typically spoken word by poet Hazel Smith. This reviewer first encountered the band following a workshop given by the trio in 2011 and subsequent performance where a recording of 'Nuraghic Echoes' was purchased. This particular release tells the story of the Nuraghe, constructions by the Nuraghic civilisation during the bronze age.

AustraLYSIS: Nurachic Echoes

Firstly, it is important to note that the music reviewed here is of a style that may be unfamiliar to some readers of The Sonic Music Review, consisting of processing of live spoken word, accompanied by various elements of Acousmatic composition. In this regard, this release is perhaps comparable to the better known collaborative works between Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto, such as 'Summvs,' reviewed here.
In this setting however, the use of spoken word introduces deeper meaning to the music. Interestingly Smith's creative exploration of vocal timbre to produce unusual constructions, such as percussive and comic elements as first explored performers such as Cathy Berberian's 'Stripsody.'

The release itself consists of two tracks, dominated by the first, the title track 'Nuraghic Echoes.' Throughout this track, the performers explore various surrounding the Nuraghi and their origins, the early emigration to Australia and life thereafter. This is accompanied by sparse electronic elements, produced from synthesis, sound processing of Smith's performance and processing of additional sound samples. As the piece develops, a wide variety of processing is evident on Smith's performance, becoming increasingly processed using varying techniques which highlight a remarkable use of technology which by today's standards would be considered highly limited.

Moving onto 'The Riting Of The Runda,' the style moves to a more experimental form of spoken word, with a lessened emphasis on digital processing, at least at first. This again proves to be a highly engaging work, in no small part due to the brooding and disturbing setting of poetry. Considering the release as a whole, this is a highly interesting work, building upon the strong Australian tradition of sound poetry in a highly innovative and original way.

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