In the opening moments of their self-titled debut CD, BYLA
(48'39") deliberately shift mood a few times. This tactic has an
unsettling effect on the listener. These splices feel like weird
transitions in a dream and jump cut from one untethered theme
to another. Yet, as in dreams, it all seems to make sense. Kevin
Hufnagle and Colin Marston are behind the sounds and their
trajectory. Once past the introductory passages, the album
moves through several stratums of energy and tonal complexity.
Passages range in content from pleasant acoustic guitar riffs to
contained layers of screeching feedback. While one track builds
into absonant wall-of-sound power chords, another peacefully
strums through chord changes. By creating brilliant transitions
between levels, the gravity of each piece is unique yet still relates
to what it arose out of (it also aids in perceiving the 11 tracks as
a seamless work). Somewhere around the mid-point of the
album, the surge of sound settles down into a more timorous
tone. Throughout this area the duo delve into deep revelations
on how far the sound output of a guitar can be taken. Through
innovative playing, processing and arrangement, Byla coax a
wonderful diversity of emanations from their instruments and
studio. How ironic that most listeners of this Ambient Music will
likely doze through these sonically detailed sections. Those
making it through Byla's music (which is this deliberately spare)
will find pondering what went into the compositions less
interesting than what the musicians felt they had to keep out.

Tune in to STAR'S END this weekend for music by BYLA

For more on BYLA, access: http://www.byla.net

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STAR'S END broadcasts every Saturday night/Sunday morning
from 1am-6am (EDST) on:

88.5fm WXPN Philadelphia, PA
88.1fm WXPH Harrisburg, PA
90.5fm Worton/Baltimore, MD
104.9fm Allentown, PA

and live on the web...

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Chuck van Zyl
Host of STAR'S END Ambient Radio
http://www.starsend.org