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Rating: THE REVIEW
Riffs are short melodic phrases that appeared with big band jazz in the thirties. It is a musical call and response pattern involving various instruments. A musical dialogue that set a standard. But what happens if the call goes unanswered? If the riff repeats without producing reactions? It becomes a loop.
In the contemporary sphere, there are various examples of alchemy between loops and riffs traceable to jazz and electronics. Bill Laswell, Cinematic Orchestra, St. Germain, our own Nicola Conte, etc. However, nothing compares to this “Dropsonde”. An album largely populated by gigantic looped riffs. Overlaid. With unheard precision. Capable of transforming solid jazzy shapes into liquid ambient spaces. “From a Solid To a Liquid”.
Electronics cubed starting from the rhythmic root of jazz. “Fall In Fall Out”. The result is a listening experience that produces continuous dizziness. And round after round, track after track, you take flight. You find yourself on the clouds. In “Altostratus”. And upon reaching there, you enjoy the quieter pieces and look at the world from above. It prompts meditation. Because ultimately “People Are Friends”. And then it makes you levitate further. Up to the star named “Daphnis 26”. Wishing for another listen. “In Triple Time”. Wishing to see “Birds Fly By Flappling their Wings” in sonic form.
Dropsonde: official candidate for best electronic album of 2006.
P.s.: The vinyl released in 2005 contains six tracks while the CD released in 2006 has twice as many.
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Summary by Bot
Biosphere's Dropsonde expertly fuses jazz-inspired looped riffs with ambient electronic textures. The album transforms solid jazzy motifs into fluid ambient spaces, offering a meditative and hypnotic listening experience. Praised for its precision and musical depth, Dropsonde stands as a top electronic album candidate of 2006. Notably, its vinyl release features fewer tracks than the CD version.Tracklist Videos
Biosphere
Biosphere is Norwegian musician Geir Jenssen, known for arctic ambient soundscapes, field recordings, and minimalist electronics. After early work with Bel Canto, he defined a singular style with albums such as Patashnik and the widely acclaimed Substrata.10 Reviews
