Another great one from American table-Moog-guitarist Bill Thompson. And The Sky Breaks Open (ASH INTERNATIONAL ASH 14.9) contains two long pieces from this player, who we can’t help but tag as “slow and minimal”. Modest sleeve notes provide clues; a dedication to completing the performance of each piece, come what may, seeing it through to the end. Solitude and loneliness key components to the realisation, and indeed key to understanding Thompson’s integrity. Subdued lighting from a few selected table lamps, suggesting that the instrumental set-up requires as much care in preparation and presentation as a physical work of art on a plinth. Lastly a possible avenue of interest to any creator, to do with “training the mind” to avoid predictable results and remaining open to unexpected events, keeping the end-point in sight yet letting it remain as nebulous as possible.
Some of the above is reflected, I like to think, in the drawing appended to the letter sent to me from Bill, flat guitar seen from its side resembling a snake, its long tongue caressing the amplifier with a benign energy, micro-explosions emanating from its back. Thompson isn’t just another “droner” type, and there’s a real purpose and strength to his work. (20/09/2024)