Following 2020's DTRM, the 11th release in the Noyzelab catalog at Psoma, is the second volume of recordings focusing on the classic diode transformer ring modulator. Informed by hand-built circuits of Burraston's own construction, which utilized a combination of soldered diode rings and crocodile-clipping together various different transformer configurations, DTRM2 is a buzzing swarm of drone structures that not only recall the previous volume, but aspects of the PPLZ SYNF 4xCD album as well. "The DTRM is likely the cheapest and simplest of all synth DIY circuits, and the configuration space of component possibilities is vast." said Burraston at press time, from somewhere beneath a massive nest of wires.
The sessions presented here were undertaken in January 2018, exploring a setup consisting of an Altronics M0709 600 ohm / 600 ohm bridging input transformer (notably a different transformer from the one used in the first DTRM recordings), four LEDs in assorted colours configured in a ring and ALM's ever-reliable Akemie's Castle, which has been used on prior Noyzelab catalog entries. DTRM2 manifested in the form of four 'brain eraser' meditations (see: Cell Meditations in five color-coded volumes) that precede a forty-minute mass to fully disconnect within.
As it has often been written with regard to Burraston's music, NYZ recordings offer the listener engagement at many different levels, both conscious and subconscious. At the surface, these are shimmering drone walls, humming with electric life and endless oscillation, but beneath that surface exists a carefully constructed world of numerical and philosophical relationships, almost entirely detached in their function from the concept of this music. Further down still are the tools themselves, often times seen as more mundane circuits and parts of equipment that Burraston manages to wire together and chart a navigational path to something divine with, the very definition of transcendence from the mechanical to the majestic.
Through this shared act of listening, we enter into a synergistic state, a bubble in a spirit level that remains absolutely still, and it is our hope at Psoma that these recordings may be used as a utility not unlike those of an architect, seeking to find the balance in this house we are always building for ourselves.
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NOTE: After some confusion from listeners, we'd like to make clear the fact that all NYZ/Noyzelab catalog releases at Psoma are available ONLY as abridged digital versions for name-your-price/free download, and in their full unabridged editions as physical CD-Rs. There is not an unabridged digital version of anything from NYZ at Psoma, and the physical editions do not ship with unabridged digital versions either (that is, if you do not count the digital music present on the compact discs). For listeners only interested in unabridged digital versions, we encourage you to visit
noyzelab.bandcamp.com to purchase those directly from NYZ, or even better, subscribe to his Bandcamp output and just get everything.
released April 7, 2023
W/P by David Burraston. Field recorded live in glorious mono to Zoom F8 direct from DTRM output on January 2018. Mixed January 2023 at Noyzelab, with thanks to Matthew at ALM for the Akemie's Castle
busycircuits.com/alm011/ Text and design by ABM&D. This is Psoma Psi Phi number NYZ-XXIV, #24 in the ongoing NYZ subcatalog.
