scapes & experiments by jo jena
"jo jena’s rhythm ‘n’ drones on the test tube netlabel was a standout last summer (...), a mix of crafty guitar counterpoint and thick industrial hums. The recent addition of four angular, layered guitar pieces to Jena’s own website drew my attention to some work in the interim that I’d missed entirely: four electro-acoustic pieces, one of them in four distinct parts. They’re filed under “flächen und experimente (2005)” (or “scapes and experiments”) on the site.
Nr. 4 (MP3), the true keeper of a great collection, is tubular and flangy, while Nr. 2 (“In a Norwegian Way,” MP3) eventually allows a proper, if single-note, guitar solo to float above the low-level turmoil.
Nr. 1 (MP3) could be mistaken for a church organist on a maudlin, introspective day, and Nr. 3 (MP3s: “Entrance to Gresham College,” 3.1; “The Observatory,” 3.2; “De Corpore Saturni,” 3.3; and “Boyle’s Airpump,” 3.4) is at once diaphanous and industrial, each part abrasive in tone but aspirant in intent."
- disquiet / february 20, 2005
this is a bandcamp re-release of the 2005 EP. an extra track was added. enjoy listening.
- jj / june 30, 2018
Tracklist
Videos
Credits
jo jena - guitars, nord modular, inagrm-plug-ins
recorded at studio wen 0214 frankfurt am main, germany in summer 2005
bonus track recorded in 2022 directly to stefan goldmann´s teenage analogue tascam 424 multitrack recorder, which served as imm records first recording device (as also featured on inselplatz "frieden")
all music composed, played, recorded, mixed and mastered by jj
artwork inspired by richard paul lohse
very special thanks to dr. peter münte.
License
All rights reserved.
„jo jena seamlessly melds a variety of influences – extended acoustic techniques, ambient guitar, and 20th century harmonic practices to deliver a captivating and fascinating listening experience.”
ben monder
imm is an independent r&d hub with the aim of exploring new forms of musical expression. most recordings are solo works by jj. collaborations i.e. with burtis knight complement it.