When I reviewed MIZU’s Distant Intervals, the first album by this polymathic music adventurer, I noted, “The way she layers her cello into massed walls of sound, or combines various multi-textured strands is not only a sound to lose yourself in, but one that seems to hold you up.” Now comes Forest Scenes, about which I can say much the same, only more so. The sound is richer and more dynamic and the architecture of each track - and the album itself - is more assured.
Canny fans of the Romantic era will recognize the English translation of Waldszenen, one of Robert Schumann’s greatest piano collections, in the album title. Like that series of pieces, the songs on MIZU’s album could be viewed as scenes from a journey through nature, that place of forever changes, where transition is the only constant.
As MIZU noted while chatting during a Bandcamp listening party for the album, which came out today:
“[My] favorite part of making this album was all the different musical styles and production techniques I got to explore! Each track became its own "forest" where I could shed skin & come into a new identity.”
Flutter, which comes near the center of the album (just after Pavane, already a modern classic), is a perfect example, its combination of a languorous cello melody, field recordings, and electronic sounds and rhythms creating a aural world in which to immerse yourself and perhaps experiment with some new identities of your own.
In another wonderful nod to Schumann, she calls the most driving track on Forest Scenes prphtbrd, suggesting a relation to Bird As Prophet, one of the central pieces of Waldszenen - and certainly the catchiest. Techno producer Concrete Husband is featured on that song and MIZU also brings in other helpers, including vocalist imryll on three tracks and sonic wizards Taylor Deupree (mastering) and Ariel Loh (Mixing and additional production). The latter has worked on many memorable projects over the years, most notably Drinker’s Fragments, a collaboration with Aaron Mendelsohn that landed on my list of 100 Best Albums of the 2010s. But MIZU, who composed, performed, and recorded every track, is the star here. And long may she shine.
Note for New Yorkers: MIZU and Concrete Husband will be performing at Elsewhere on April 25th.
Did MIZU transport you to your own imaginary forest? Let me know!
From the archives:
Best Of 2023: Classical
Record Roundup: Music For One, Two, or More
Totally digging MIZU. Thx for the introduction!
A friend had a lovely spec screenplay on Clara Schumann...well, yeah. Devil's in the details, right? In writing or producing, the levels a story hits make the difference. Thanks for this Jeremy!