Bleep

Following his 2017 album Isotach, and many collaborations in between, British composer Matthew Bourne returns to The Leaf Label for an expressive set of prepared piano tracks. The title Irrealis refers to a linguistic grouping of grammatical moods conveying events that have yet to happen, translating to Bourne’s improvised performances where the end result is unknown. In a curious conversation between moving parts, piano keys are sparkling sunrays in one moment and chaotic avalanches in the next. Ostinatos hammer, pluck, and crash, and arpeggios start in the belly, rise up the throat, and hurtle into gnashing teeth.