Jon Mueller, Alphabet of Movements (side A)

2011's Alphabet of Movements consists of two side-long pieces.  The pieces follow a similar form, and each might be drawn from the same process.  On each piece, a fast rhythm of a very consistent sound establishes itself — judging from the track titles, side A was created with a snare drum and side B with small gongs.  Once this pattern has established itself, with both the sound's attack, and the interference created from overtones, a second sound is introduced.  The new sound is a processed, evolving electronic sound, which has enough in common with the underlying pattern that it might in some way be derived from the acoustic sound.  This electronic sound slowly builds in volume and complexity until it has completely overtaken the original acoustic impulse.  After it has clearly established itself as the defining idea, the electronic sound begins a long, gentle fade, which ends with only the acoustic sound remaining.  The recording captures this process organically, with the details preserved in a natural balance, and the mastering preserves the excellent sound quality.  The packaging features nice reverse-stock paper, with scribbled notes covering the front (and center stickers too), and then a sparse design on the back with relevant text in tiny print.