Mind Over Mirrors
Undying Color
Paradise of Bachelors
Mind Over Mirrors is the droning solo project of Jaime Fennelly. While this project initially formed in 2007 as a solo project, it has evolved. It utilises the talents of other musicians to flesh out Fennellyβs imagination. On his sixth album, and first for Paradise of Bachelors, Fennelly crafts a predictable album with a few creative moments.
During the winter of 2015, Fennelly ventured out towards the distinct, glacially carved, drift-less region of Wisconsin to begin recording the harmonium and synthesiser backbone of Undying Color. Fennellyβs harmonium has always been central to Mind Over Mirrors, and that hasnβt changed. His latest release has expanded via the use of an Oberheim synth and increased texturing with vocals overlaying strings. These newly utilised elements round out Undying Colorβs sound and produce a much fuller sounding album.
Throughout βGray Clearerβ, we are treated to a thickly layered wheezing dirge of harmonium that ebbs and flows elegantly across the six and a half minute track. While on other tracks such as βGlossolaliacβ, vocals play a more prominent role and we get to hear Haley Fohrβs voice become entangled within the thick instrumentals. Unfortunately, while the experimental and droning nature of these songs is their hallmark it can also be their shortcoming. On the momentous twelve-minute track βGravity Wakeβ we get to experience the vocals of Fohr alongside Eleventh Dream Day and Freakwater member Janet Beveridge Bean. This creates an interesting textured tune, yet it fails to maintain intrigue throughout its entire runtime.
Undying Color is an appealing addition to the drone. With his expanded in-studio ensemble, Fennelly continues to echo the influence of vintage experimental electronic music while proving that there is still new ground for composers to trod upon.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MIND OVER MIRRORS – UNDYING COLOR
Joel Weatherly