Self-released via Bandcamp, Athens-based guitarist Tom Eisenbraun’s Slow Joy evokes the wordless themes suggested by Brian Eno’s Ambient series and processed through Vini Reilly’s holy chords. Pairing two incredibly varied styles in the two tracks here, Eisenbraun effortlessly stakes his own plot in great, albeit crowded, sonic territory.
“What Began as a Lyric Essay for the Romantic Poets, but Echoed, Wordless, Into its Own” is guitar-based ambient music, opting for Durutti Column effects and nostalgia. Eisenbraun shows off his quick abilities underneath a dim spotlight that seems aimed by Cocteau Twins or Slowdive. Notes shine and shimmer with aquatic flare. The melody could have been co-written by Ulrich Schnauss or Manual, even mastered by Bibio (before he got too buddy-buddy with the Warp Records crew).
“…And Right Now” is the alternate personality of Slow Joy. With a wind chime sample taken from “Twin Peaks,” the 15-minute piece is a meditation on the hidden qualities in normal, everyday sounds. Eisenbraun puts a microscope up to the sample, revealing every detail, and accompanies the scene with his trusted guitar. It’s a sullen affair with all the broken beauty of William Basinski.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
