Mike Majkowski is a bassist from Sydney, based in Berlin, who’s been active across a wide range of experimental music over the last two decades, including backing Ethiopian accordionist Hailu Mergia and appearing in Chris Abrahams’ Roil. Coast is his 12th solo recording, and the label’s third release. It features two long pieces of crepuscular electronics which pulse and glide minimally, building layers at a glacial pace.
The two pieces meld electronics and synthesiser with double bass. The music is minimal but has some momentum. Like ambient music, it’s more about maintaining a mood than building musical development. Change is subtle – introducing a new sound or altering an existing pitch – and doesn’t alter the tempo.
The first piece Spiral has some similarity with improv trio The Necks when, as in Drive By, they hold a groove. The second piece, Later, recalls minimal techno.
It’s an electro-acoustic work, a mix of manipulated acoustic recordings plus synthesiser and various electronics. Bass lines are constructed by synth, and double bass is present only on the first track, as the steady pulsing frequency throughout, though manipulated beyond recognition. Acoustic sources, mostly percussion, are highly manipulated, and only a few remain recognisable. The result is a fascinating and beautiful work.
Discography
Spiral; Later (39.32)
Majkowski (b, elec). Berlin, 2021-22.
Fragments Edition 007
