Buzzle

A fascinating, engaging departure for Grammy-nominated composer Tim Story, buzzle is a rhythm-fueled diversion into atmospheric electronica. Spiky, organic grooves mingle with vaporous ambiences and creaky analog electronics - picture yourself in a post-modern film noir, and buzzle is the soundtrack you'll have in your head. Those who know Tim Story as a craftsman of elegant, understated chamber music might need to dive beneath buzzle's kaleidoscope surface, but shouldn't be disappointed - there's much that's familiar here. Story's signature use of moody, elusive chord structures, angular melodic phrasing, and masterful sound design give buzzle its spooky and suspenseful character. But there's warmth and humor here, too - Story splashes his electronic environments with piano, guitar, cello, even the unexpected voices of his young daughters. Like those of Cluster or Boards of Canada, these pieces take on a life of their own, inhabiting a kind of quirky parallel universe. Buzzle is as pithy and elegantly composed as any music Story has created, with plenty of treats for those who listen for details. Atmospheric, enigmatic, programmatic - and above all, thoroughly enjoyable - all that Tim Story devotees love about his work is still here in spades. What's so surprising about buzzle? Perhaps it's that, in a decidedly different way, it is just what we've come to expect.