Christy Romanick and Karen Langlie- 4,29

Artist: Christy Romanick & Karen Langlie
CD Title: 4,29
Label: Lildiscs
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 7/23/06

The first in a new series of limited-edition three-inch CDs in handmade packaging from the Lildiscs label, this two-track gem features the collaborative efforts of guitarist Christy Romanick and cellist Karen Langlie. The instruments themselves, however, are only occasionally recognizable, processed as they are through a number of electronic effects which convert the familiar sounds of picked, strummed and bowed strings to layers of ethereal droning ambience. The first track comes closest to the conventional sound of experimental pop and rock, though it's still far more of a psychedelic tone poem than a traditional song, while the second selection is reduced further still, until nothing remains but a sequence of pulsing, ringing drones. Perfect for aficionados of minimal atmosphere that still retains tenuous roots to more traditional music, this will appeal particularly to fans of acts like Windy And Carl or Stars Of The Lid, and it's an intriguing enough sample to inspire hope that Romanick and Langlie might work together on a full-length offering some time soon.

Visit the Lildiscs label at www.lildiscs.com for more information about this series.