As of today, three blazes are still burning in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, two weeks to the day after the start of the devastating wildfires. Spread by Santa Ana winds that reached 100 mph (160 km/h), the fires have so far resulted in the evacuation of 205,000 people, the death of 28, the burning of 63 square miles and the loss of 12,400 buildings and homes. These losses are spread across all social classes; fire shows no favoritism.
We applaud the efforts of Hollie and Keith Kenniff, who worked swiftly and tirelessly to put together this initial round of a relief compilation, calling on friends and colleagues to contribute, mastering 33 tracks in an incredibly short window, and releasing it prior to the upcoming three-volume Nettwerk version, which will contain many extra tracks. The need for donations is immediate, and all proceeds of Vol. 1 will benefit We Are Moving the Needle and Give Directly, two frontline organizations which are helping the impacted families. The Kenniffs also mention that those inspired to help animals in need may give directly to Pasadena Humane.
The quality of the release is incredibly high, a bonus for those listening and donating. A large proportion of the artists included are familiar to our readers, big names including Hammock, Rhian Sheehan, The Album Leaf, dalot and of course the Kenniffs themselves in various guises. Every one of the tracks is previously unreleased. Hollie begins the album with her own “Love, Lightness,” an extremely encouraging piece that cools the listener like rain on a blaze. The light wordless vocals and ambient chords are the aural equivalent of a relief effort. A gorgeous new piano piece from Goldmund (Keith), “The Great River” flows like its namesake. Late in the set, these two unite as Helios X Hollie Kenniff for the eminently soothing “Soft as Breath.” These tracks alone are worth the price of admission – that is, if one needs another reason to donate outside of the already-existing crisis. Outside the household, even more beauty blossoms.
Keith Kenniff’s mastering has given this diverse collection a unified tone, while the sequencing choices are sublime. We’re always eager for more Hammock music, which makes the shoegaze timbres of “Daka” a treat. The late emergence of strings brings the piece to a heartfelt close. The stereo effects of Black Brunswicker‘s “Quieting Landscapes” recall those Santa Ana winds, which subside as the piece progresses. After this, the peaceful piano of Patrik Berg Almkvisth arrives like a salve, the title “What Happens Next” a reminder of the work to come.
The emergence of acoustic guitar midway into Clem Leek‘s “Altadena” offers clarity within the haze, a timely metaphor. More Eaze offers one of the set’s most distinctive tracks, as “The One” is filled with sonic crinkles, electronic orchestral timbres and an impression of new life. The feeling extends into Alexandra Hamiliton-Ayres‘ “Wax Hymn,” which glistens and glows. Vol. 1 seems to brighten as it progresses, not with the light of fire, but the light of hope. We are heartened to hear new music from Rhian Sheehan, as it has been so long since the New Zealand composer’s last album; “Before” is wistful and tender, its piano notes providing a feeling of hiraeth.
The album’s most compelling piece comes from Haruhisa Tanaka. “Inori” (“Prayer”) is filled with wind chimes, and does indeed seem like a prayer, as well as a reassurance. Perhaps coincidentally, the artist’s latest release is titled “Relief Pt. 2.” The sound of readjustment, birds returning to build new nests, is heard at the end of dalot‘s “dusk,” drawing a line back to those in Cat Tyson Hughes‘ “Perennials.” In similar fashion, chimes and the flapping of wings populate Robot Koch‘s “Bloom,” which sings of a spring both physical and emotional; late in the set, Baths‘ “Auto Damien” invites everyone to dance, in hopes that such times will return.
We didn’t mention everybody, and soon, when Nettwerk releases the expanded edition, there will be more. But we can say this ~ Hollie and Keith and every artist involved deserve our admiration for looking inside themselves and finding the desire to help. We hope that you will be part of this incredible relief effort as well. (Richard Allen)
