The Dust Dive Flash
Tens Of Thousands fre103point9 transmision
arts review | by M.R.Smith

The Dust Dive Flash is a Brooklyn-based ensemble featuring Ken Switzer (organ, vocals), Bryan Zimmerman (sampler,vocals), and Laura Ortman (electric guitar, violin, piano,vocals). Since 2000 the group has performed in the City, combining their indie-folk sound with multimedia presentations, maintaining a certain dark melancholy to their work. Tens Of Thousands is, however, for all intents and purposes a solo outing by Ortman, and introspective contemplators everywhere will find much to suit them here.

A slow, stark series of electric guitar (or piano) chords unfold, and repeat like a mantra. An ethereal violin snakes into the picture, sliding surely through the notes, sometimes harmonized. A whispery, disembodied voice enters singing like a stray transmission from another dimension. Occasionally, background sounds appear, suggesting locations; outdoors, firesides. The music casts a bittersweet spell that seems perfect listening at 3 AM, in the dark, by yourself. That’s not to say it’s a downer; far from it. It happens to be extremely pleasant music for that scenario. Despite its darker qualities, the music is curiously uplifting and beautiful without underlying messages or agendas, drawing you into a strangely calm, yet expectant state.

Mazzy Star (as well as Hope Sandoval’s solo work) and Cowboy Junkies are probably the closest references to this CD, which was recorded by Martin Bisi (Sonic Youth, Swans) with its dynamics and delicacy intact. Tens Of Thousands is a quiet surprise, a nice break from the jingle-jangle world, and worth seeking out.