Bryan Day, the creative force behind Eloine, invites listeners into a vibrant and unpredictable sound world with Moldy Cushions. Released on Flag Day Recordings, this album is a lush and immersive journey that blends droning textures, unexpected rhythmic shifts, and a deeply exploratory sense of sound design. As an experimental artist with a knack for repurposing everyday materials into unearthly instruments, Day once again demonstrates his ability to craft sonic landscapes that are as intriguing as they are evocative.
A Lush, Evolving Journey
From the opening track, “Weird Functions,” the listener is plunged into a sonic environment that feels alive, constantly morphing and revealing new layers. Day’s use of his invented instruments, combined with field recordings and vintage electronics, creates a rich palette of textures. Tracks like “Neoprene Concourse” buzz with a tactile energy, the drones resonating with a kind of organic vibrancy that makes the music feel both mechanical and alive.
As the album unfolds, it feels like a dialogue between percussion and drone. In some moments, like on “Tangled Frames,” rhythms emerge and evolve organically, pulsing gently before dissolving back into abstract tones. In others, such as “Mushy Outliers,” layers of sound interlock in ways that are both meditative and alien.
A Sonic Collage
Moldy Cushions is not just an album; it’s a tapestry of sonic experiences. Day’s work thrives on the unexpected—half-recognizable sounds drift in and out, only to be reshaped into something new. Tracks like “Pancakes in Cement” exemplify this fluidity, where seemingly disparate elements coexist harmoniously, merging naturally into rhythmic and tonal narratives.
There’s a playful quality here as well. Titles like “Sledgelings” hint at a whimsical sensibility, and the music often feels like it’s delighting in its own process of discovery.
The Artist’s Hand
Knowing the backstory of Moldy Cushions adds depth to the experience. Recorded in California, Brazil, and India, this album reflects the global and deeply personal nature of Day’s creative practice. Instruments with fascinating histories—like those buzzing drones in “Neoprene Concourse,” crafted by João Fernando Arrais Serodio—add another layer of intrigue to the music.
Day’s long history as a sound artist and instrument maker shines through in every moment of the album. His ability to transform scavenged electronics and mechanical components into expressive sound sculptures gives Moldy Cushions a unique character, one that feels like an ongoing experiment in sound.
Final Thoughts
Moldy Cushions is a beautiful work—rich, textured, and deeply engaging. It’s an album that rewards active listening, pulling you into its world and inviting you to explore its many layers. Fans of experimental music, audio collage, and electroacoustic improvisation will find much to love here.
Bryan Day’s ability to craft evolving sonic environments that feel both alien and familiar is nothing short of remarkable. Moldy Cushions is an album that deserves to be heard, not just for its artistry but for the way it reminds us of the infinite possibilities in sound.
Find the album on Flag Day Recordings’ Bandcamp page. Highly recommended for those ready to lose themselves in a lush world of audio invention.
Reviewed by Briyan Frederick. Explore more of Bryan Day’s work at bryanday.net.
