In the world of representational knowledge, words can deliver a weight of
cultural associations. Even a word as simple as 'shadow' can instill in the receiver a world of dark and unknown mysticism. On the other hand, non-representational knowledge, such as music, relies only on the intuitive responses of the receiver to make associations. On "Sleepwalker" by Hourloupe, a collaboration between artists Frank Menchaca and Anar Badalov, representational and non-representational knowledge seem to be juxtaposed to the extremes. Consisting of eleven short and eerie tracks, Sleepwalker pits insanely visceral spoken word with beguiling and ever-changing experimental music to create an absorbing listening experience full of shadows and mystery. Sinister synths, botched samples, and brooding ambiences marry with descriptive poetry delivered in a clear, deadpan fashion. The spoken word here is crystal clear, and one can detect the nuances of the voice; lips closing, throat clearing, intonation see-sawing. It makes lyrics such as "In the vestibules of the crypts of New Orleans / The spirits mill about / Consulting the swirls of marble / Like the scrolls / Of petrified smartphones" hit you right between the eyes. No track here exists on its own, and the album plays as one complete, complex, and compelling piece.
★★★★
Sleepwalker by Hourloupe
Reviewed by Jay Honeycomb on April 19th 2022
Rating: 4
Reviewed by Jay Honeycomb on April 19th 2022
Rating: 4