Astasie-abasie is a project of Ian Andrews which evolved out of a long running performance collaboration with Garry Bradbury. The project focuses on the amplification of sounds captured from small objects. Andrews’ contribution to Australian experimental music reaches back to the early 1980s, including projects like The Horse He’s Sick, Kurt Volentine, Cut with the Kitchen Knife and countless others.
On the surface, Astasie-Abasie’s 2021 “Molecular Gamelan” CD resembles something like solemn a Balinese trance-like processions, or intimate temple rituals with minimalist gamelan ensembles. The material is instead derived from a set of chance-based operations designed by Andrews involving the agitation of washers and other small metal objects with a variety of devices, including hand drills, film winders, and motorised screwdrivers. The result is what Vital Weekly described as, “beautiful, Zen-like music”.
A follow-up album “Elliptical Gamelan” is currently in-production for release by Shame File Music in the coming months, on limited edition vinyl and digital (discounted pre-orders now available).
Use the code ASTASIE for 10% off all Astasie-abasie releases (expires 14 July 2022).
As always, free postage for orders within Australia over $100.