SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: EDWARD McCORMACK – REST IN PLACE

Edward McCormack
Rest In Place
Independent

Rest In Place is McCormack’s follow-up to Astral/Aphotic, released in June 2020. With McCormack quantity does not affect quality, quite the reverse actually. He presents a collection of 15 moving instrumentals which are unlike anything you will hear this year.

This is a melodic sound collage with an ambient overtone. There is no other way to describe it. Also, much like Mark Hollis, McCormack is not afraid to use silence and present the music at a very low volume, forcing the listener to focus on the music. This is not background noise, it is art that requires one’s attention.

As a result, this is almost meditative. The songs flow, but maintain one’s attention. The desire to hear what is going on, layered in the sounds, makes it very easy to keep one engaged. Though the songs are unconnected they fit together like a puzzle. It is evident McCormack has taken great care in sequencing the songs.

The album closes with the incredible title track, “Rest In Place”, which flows nicely into the atmospheric and perfect ending “In Loving Memory”. Where “Rest In Place” is somewhat more conventional in its structure, the sounds and slow build of “In Loving Memory” is quite an emotional ending. It is also the perfect way to end this collection.

Rest In Place is a stunning album, and a wonderful addition to this artist’s growing catalogue. McCormack continues to explore and expand his music.

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