Low Clouds Hang, This Land Is On Fire

On his previous solo recordings from Drag City, Tashi Dorji coaxed raw, discordant sounds out of his acoustic guitar, using alternate tunings and unique preparations. 2026s low clouds hang, this land is on fire is an electric guitar recording, and its almost the complete inverse of his acoustic albums. Instead of recording frantic improvisations in a shed, he set up a few amps in a family home with high ceilings, and recorded soft, slowly drifting pieces that verge on ambient music. Compared to his acoustic records, this album often sounds distant and detached, and might be easier to play in the background while one is concentrating on other things, but pay attention and its evident that theres a lot more going on beneath the surface. Song titles like "burn the throne" and "black flag anthems" continue the political themes and punkish rebellion of previous effort we will be wherever the fires are lit, and the latter song in particular has some of the albums sharpest, most gnarled guitar tones, even if the track itself is more abstract than anthemic. Other pieces like "gathering" and "still" are softly melodic, but far more meditative and immersive than one might expect for music that carries such a steadfast political message. Clearly, this is music meant to represent a peaceful resistance. Its not always the most forceful or aggressive protest music, though it does have its harder, more bracing moments. Instead, much of it seems to search for the peace and tranquility that would be present in the absence of war and violence. ~ Paul Simpson