Even though this record is composed of components derived from the real world, it is truly far out. On “Philadelphia” Rosie has woven a dense web from all the sonic sources available into a beautifully singular vision. 

As singular as it emerges, its facets and features are many: Spatial sound versus non spatial sounds, sounds that are moving, subway noises, liquids, voices, machinery and more. All accompanied by a subtle spread of bits of tonal movement and harmony, hidden in every audible crevice left by the field recordings. 

Side A begins with light sounds from a violin, slowly a deeper subtle nuanced harmonic texture emerges, punctuated by the beginning edges by field recordings changing bit by bit into perceptible environments. From there we journey across a strange intersecting and aligning version of the city in stereo. 

Sometimes the sounds are discernable and distinct, other times, like in moments to the middle of “West” for example, they combine to form a new organic entity of sound seemingly unique and inseparable.

The album flows beautifully only interrupted by its physical medium (flipping the record) like a short beautiful industrial daydream.

https://norentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/philadelphia-nrr215

Jon K. Fall 2024