Indra Aziz
London-based artist and orator Alabaster DePlume has unveiled "Glass," the penultimate offering from his highly anticipated instrumental EP, "Dear Children of Our Children, I Knew: Epilogue." The EP is slated for release on May 5th via the esteemed International Anthem label. This latest single offers a potent sonic exploration, showcasing DePlume’s distinctive saxophone work, which unfurls with a compelling blend of understated verve and raw vigor. The saxophone’s melodic narrative is anchored by a pulsating foundation of bass, masterfully provided by Shahzad Ismaily, and the precise rhythms of Tcheser Holmes on drums. A hypnotic, trance-like electronic loop weaves through the composition, creating an immersive and introspective auditory landscape.
The genesis of "Glass" and the broader EP can be traced to a period of intense creative output during Alabaster DePlume’s Springtime US tour last year. Following weeks of dynamic live performances with Ismaily and Holmes, where they showcased material from DePlume’s critically acclaimed album "A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole," the trio found themselves in a state of profound creative synergy. This onstage rapport was so immediate and potent that, during an off-day in Brooklyn, DePlume seized the opportunity to capture this organic connection. The result is "Dear Children of Our Children, I Knew: Epilogue," a collection of instrumental pieces born from this shared creative spark and immediate collaborative spirit.
DePlume’s profound connection to his collaborators is evident in the EP’s very conception. Ismaily, a celebrated multi-instrumentalist and composer known for his work with artists such as Bon Iver and The National, brings a nuanced and grounding presence to the basslines. Holmes, a drummer whose percussive vocabulary spans jazz, experimental, and electronic music, provides a rhythmic bedrock that is both sophisticated and deeply felt. The synergy between DePlume’s improvisational saxophone, Ismaily’s intuitive basslines, and Holmes’s dynamic drumming forms the core of the EP’s sonic identity.
Thematic Resonance of "Glass"
The lyrical inspiration behind "Glass," as articulated by Alabaster DePlume himself, delves into profound themes of resilience, transformation, and the enduring capacity of the human spirit to find light even in the face of adversity. DePlume eloquently describes the process of creation and destruction, drawing parallels between the superheating of sand to form glass, its subsequent shattering into shards, and its persistent ability to shine.
"Superheating sand, it melts. It becomes clear, transparent. Hardening, it becomes glass. The glass, we shatter, and it becomes shards. And yet still it manages to shine, in a way," DePlume reflects. "They are transparent. How a human being can endure extremes of brutal punishment, and yet still shine, still be transparent, clear, still refract the light."
This metaphorical framework suggests that the EP, and particularly this single, explores the capacity of individuals to withstand immense hardship and emerge, if not unscathed, then with a renewed and perhaps even more profound luminescence. The transparency of glass, its ability to refract light, becomes a powerful symbol for the human capacity to maintain clarity and inner light, even when broken or subjected to extreme pressures.
A Special Release for Record Store Day
Adding another layer of significance to this release, "Dear Children of Our Children, I Knew: Epilogue" is also being made available as a special vinyl edition for Record Store Day, which falls on Saturday, April 18th. This limited edition release is particularly noteworthy as it also includes DePlume’s 2024 EP, "Cremisan: Prologue to A Blade." Previously only available digitally, "Cremisan: Prologue to A Blade" makes its vinyl debut with this Record Store Day offering, providing a comprehensive package for collectors and dedicated fans.
The inclusion of "Cremisan: Prologue to A Blade" on the vinyl offers a valuable chronological context, presenting a thematic and sonic prelude to "A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole" and, by extension, the "Dear Children" EP series. This dual release strategy underscores International Anthem’s commitment to providing tangible, collectable formats for its artist roster, fostering a deeper engagement with their music.
Background and Context of the International Anthem Label
International Anthem Recording Company has established itself as a vital force in contemporary jazz and experimental music since its inception. Founded in 2014, the Chicago-based label has cultivated a reputation for releasing innovative and boundary-pushing work from a diverse array of artists. Their roster includes prominent figures such as Makaya McCraven, Irreversible Entanglements, and Angel Bat Dawid, alongside Alabaster DePlume. The label’s ethos centers on fostering artistic freedom and supporting musicians who challenge conventional genre boundaries. DePlume’s association with International Anthem places him within a community of artists dedicated to pushing the envelope of sonic expression, further validating the artistic merit and significance of his latest work.
The Creative Process and Collaboration
The recording of "Dear Children of Our Children, I Knew: Epilogue" represents a distinct departure from traditional studio album creation. Instead of meticulously planned sessions, the EP emerged organically from the live performance context. This approach highlights a commitment to capturing the raw energy and improvisational spirit of the trio’s musical dialogue. The weeks spent touring and performing together allowed DePlume, Ismaily, and Holmes to develop a profound understanding of each other’s musical language, enabling them to translate that chemistry into a recorded format without extensive pre-production.
This method of recording in situ, during a period of intense touring, can often result in music that feels immediate and unvarnished. The sonic imprint of the live performance environment, even when captured in a more controlled setting like an off-day studio session, can imbue the recordings with a unique character. The decision to record in Brooklyn during this tour suggests a deliberate choice to harness the momentum and creative flow generated by their shared experience on the road.
Broader Implications and Artistic Trajectory
The release of "Glass" and the forthcoming EP marks a significant moment in Alabaster DePlume’s artistic trajectory. His work often blurs the lines between spoken word, poetry, and instrumental composition, creating a multifaceted artistic practice. While this EP is instrumental, the thematic depth evident in DePlume’s statements suggests that the music is imbued with a narrative and emotional weight that resonates with his broader artistic concerns.
The emphasis on instrumental music for this project might indicate a desire to explore sonic textures and improvisational dialogues in a more direct and unmediated way. By stripping away the lyrical component, DePlume and his collaborators are able to focus on the pure interplay of instruments, allowing the saxophone, bass, and drums to tell their own story. This approach can often lead to a more abstract and open-ended listening experience, inviting the audience to project their own interpretations onto the music.
The collaboration with International Anthem further solidifies DePlume’s position within the global avant-garde music scene. The label’s discerning curation and dedication to presenting artists of exceptional caliber ensures that his work reaches an audience that appreciates artistic innovation and depth. The inclusion of a Record Store Day vinyl release, particularly with the bonus of a previously digital-only EP, demonstrates a strategic approach to engaging with both dedicated collectors and a wider audience seeking high-quality, physical music formats.
The critical reception of DePlume’s previous work, including "A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole," has consistently highlighted his unique voice and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. This new instrumental EP is poised to further cement his reputation as a singular artist who continues to evolve and challenge himself, offering his audience new avenues of sonic exploration and contemplative reflection. The release is not merely an addition to his discography but a testament to the power of spontaneous collaboration and the enduring strength of the human spirit, as metaphorically captured in the enduring, light-refracting quality of glass.
The availability of the single "Glass" for immediate listening, accompanied by the visual element of its YouTube premiere, allows audiences to engage with the music ahead of the EP’s full release. This strategic rollout serves to build anticipation and provide a tangible taste of the sonic and thematic landscapes that "Dear Children of Our Children, I Knew: Epilogue" promises to deliver. The accompanying photo credit to Chris Almeida suggests a visual component to the release, hinting at a cohesive artistic presentation that extends beyond the audio experience.
Photo Credit: Chris Almeida
