Shards ＜限定盤＞

Shards is a brief selection of previously unreleased pieces written by Tim Hecker for film and television soundtracks. His scores for the movie Infinity Pool and the series The North Water have been released, but the material on this album is distinct from those soundtracks, apart from a longer, more immersive alternate version of Infinity Pools "Joyride." Despite the albums title, these pieces are generally longer and more developed than the short, fragment-like tracks that make up Heckers scores, particularly Infinity Pool. The 31-minute record functions as a mini-score on its own, as it sticks to a singular wintry, melancholy mood. "Heaven Will Come" feels nervous and uneasy, with basslines flashing in reverse and notes melting and dripping. "Morning (Piano Version)" is an intimate, acoustic reflection bringing to mind Heckers Dropped Pianos release. "Monotone 3" features trickling strings and woodwind clusters, while "Icesynth" melds suitably frozen-sounding electronics with long cello strokes. The longest and final piece, "Sunset Key Melt," is an icy drift with distant pianos and shoegaze-y distortion cutting through like a bitterly cold wind. A bit more low-key than Heckers other albums, Shards is nevertheless representative of his signature sound, encapsulating the emotional depth and innovative sonic weaving listeners have come to associate with his work. ~ Paul Simpson