Looking for Daniel

Album Description

"Looking for Daniel" is a poignant and introspective album by the late Phill Niblock, released posthumously on February 2, 2024, via Unsounds. This two-track collection, spanning 44 minutes, is a collaborative effort with Biliana Voutchkova and Ensemble Modelo62, created just before Niblock's passing in January 2024. The album is a testament to Niblock's enduring legacy in the realms of drone, minimalism, avant-garde, experimental, ambient, and neoclassical music.

The album opens with "Biliana," a piece that showcases the delicate interplay between Voutchkova's violin and the ensemble's subtle, evolving textures. The second track, "Exploratory, Rhine Version," delves deeper into Niblock's signature style, with its slow-moving drones and meticulous layering of sounds. The album's title track, "Looking for Daniel," serves as a fitting conclusion, tying together the themes and sonic explorations presented throughout.

"Looking for Daniel" is not just another album in Niblock's discography; it's a final chapter in his musical journey, offering listeners a unique opportunity to experience his innovative approach to sound and composition. The album's minimalist aesthetic and avant-garde sensibilities make it a compelling listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to Niblock's work.

February 2, 2024

2024 Unsounds

About Phill Niblock

Phill Niblock was a pioneering American composer and filmmaker celebrated for his innovative contributions to minimalist and avant-garde music. Based in New York, Niblock was renowned for his layered drone pieces, which he developed over nearly four decades. His compositions often featured multi-tracked recordings of solo instruments, creating immersive soundscapes that captivated audiences. In addition to his musical prowess, Niblock was a visionary filmmaker, known for his beautifully shot images of people working, which he synchronized with his music in mesmerizing live performances. He was also the director of Experimental Intermedia, a foundation dedicated to supporting avant-garde music and art. Niblock's genre-bending body of work, spanning over sixty years, continues to inspire and influence artists worldwide. His legacy as one of the great experimental composers of our time is undeniable, leaving behind a rich tapestry of minimalist music and structural cinema.