Will Dutta – Parergon

Though the majority of Parergon is centred on the piano, subtle droning electronic frequencies, echo effects and even schizophrenic Venetian Snares-style breakdowns (Aerophobia) to produce musical sequences that have an almost opiate effect in their ability to enhance colours and stir childlike sensations of wonder. Through his involvement in the London-based 'classical club night' Blank Canvas, Will Dutta has become an increasing source of highbrow interest with his radical grafting of experimental electronic assault attitudes onto modern classical composition.

 

Collaborators Plaid make their appearance unabashedly known on the storming opener (and album highlight) Distance, which combines Dutta's fluent command of the piano with violent flashes of shimmering metallic chimes. Like some approximation of the Koyaanisqatsi soundtrack condensed into six minutes, Parergon is worth owning for this life-affirming piece of music alone. Fortunately, its remainder lives up to the standard, banking a stack of fluid and passionate performances.