#c diab

[onceuponatimetheworldwasround]

C. Diab, No Perfect Wave, 2016 + Remixes. Artwork by Mark Bakema

Illustration by Illustrated Amateur

[earinfluxion]

C. Diab: White Whale (Injazero)

Fans of virtuosic instrumentalism will no doubt find a lot to love in Caton Diab's latest full length; Diab is perhaps to the cello what Colin Stetson is to his saxophone. He manages to get such a broad variety of sounds and timbres while multitracking his singular instrument. Compared to his 2016 album No Perfect Wave, White Whale employs far more distortion, often giving his long, gliding bow a coarser edge. At his most rousing and dramatic, Diab uses tenacious staccato patterns, often cycling through the same chord progression with urgency. "Haunter" and "100 Famous Views" are notable exceptions, featuring more prominently lo-fi guitar that brings to mind Americana composers like John Fahey. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the potential for lyricism within instrumental music.

Listen/purchase: White Whale by C. Diab

[grayowlpoint]

The Vancouver four piece — comprised of the exceptional members of Riddley Walker and ambient master C Diab — make “Nothingness” sound fulsome and operatic. The blackness of a world kicked in the stomach by human induced climate transformations, laugh out loud capitalism hysteria, and peak oil first world problems crawl up in the womb of their sound; thankfully, the madness is willing to quiet down a bit and stir with the beat.

Read our full review of Nothingness’ EP here.