Brian Chase Drums & Drones II

Building upon almost a decade of work, Drums & Drones II follows master drummer and composer Brian Chase (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) into unchartered sonic realms. Using multiple techniques, the acoustic resonance of a single drum is explored, with every new work emphasizing a different method of investigation.
The project traces its inspiration from Brian's time working at La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela's Dream House installation in TriBeCa, NYC. As he spent more time immersed within the installation, its complexity and beauty started to reveal itself in its magnitude. On the technical side, this was partly due to the distinct tuning system - Just Intonation - that was used to create the sound and the way it 'plays with' the listening process. Brian grew intent on finding ways to adapt this tuning system, and what it invites for the listening process, to his primary instruments of drums and percussion.
The album was recorded over a four week artist residency at Headlands Center for the Arts in Northern California. Spending day and night in a secluded barn at the top of a hill, the residency provided the opportunity to live and work immersed in the creative process. This focus very much relates to the way in which the music functions: as the listener tunes into the sonic characteristics and pace of each track, its subtleties and meditative properties are gradually revealed.