Pareidolia is the team of Liz Allbee (trumpet) with Marta Zapparoli (radio antennae) and they produce a wispy, other-worldly set on the aptly-named record Far Away Worlds (DISSIPATIO diss035).
We did note Zapparoli recently for her superb set Interdimensional Generated Space (on this same label), but forgot to mention she had already played with Allbee when they were members of The Elks, that highly quirksome quartet that also included Kai Fagaschinski and Billy Roisz. We personally liked The Elks, and the way they seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely and making the act of exploratory-experimental improvisation seem like good fun, instead of a worthy chore. Far Away Worlds by comparison is far more understated, and a listener can truly appreciate the subtle and artistic manner in which these two inventive creators manipulate their respective sounds. Voices, electronics, radio sets and prepared tapes are also included in the performing array, making this a highly respectable and distinctive entry in the electro-acoustic improvisation genre.
Notice the manner in which the duo completely avoid any of the clichés that are often associated with music which follows, however vaguely, an outer-space or cosmic theme. Indeed, far from being a Sun Ra styled journey into unknown galaxies, the record feels more like a reception point for messages arriving over the ether, sent by external agencies, and possibly friendly – we won’t know for sure until they are decoded. This subtext is referenced directly by the track ‘Number Stations’, but it’s also to be found in hints and suggestions contained in all the music here, especially the long and haunting drifty track ‘Richiami Lontani’. Even the sparing use of number station samples – if that’s indeed what we hear – is strikingly original, bringing new life to something which was in danger of becoming an overplayed trope. If it’s true that the creators intend to generate “sounding waves between the inner and outer spaces”, then they are remarkably perceptive about the interior life of humanity, as well as keeping their personal frequencies tuned to these messages from beyond the stars.
Also of note: the lyrical track titles, of which a favourite is ‘Sillblix Of The Ether’; and the delightful cover collage by Liz Allbee, using found printed sources to perfectly express the intentions of the music in visual form. Delicate, fragile beauty – very good indeed. (24/11/2025)