Ultramarine - percussion and tape

Ultramarine draws inspiration from glacial sonorities in several ways: the percussionist evokes the resonant cracking of ice, the sizzle of meltwater, and the deep groans of glaciers as they slowly carve their way across the landscape. The tape part is constructed from real field recordings of glaciers. Some sounds are presented in their natural form, where the cracks and rumbles remain distinctly glacial, while others are manipulated to resemble drums, other percussive textures, and atmospheric effects. Upwards of 90 percent of the sounds heard in the tape are derived from these glacial recordings. Together, these elements create a layered sound world that merges the musical and environmental into one intricate sonic landscape.