Kelly Moran is a formally trained pianist, composer and electroacoustic music producer with a penchant for black metal. That's not immediately evident on her new disc Bloodroot, despite the fact she's assigned mastering duties to Colin Marston. The producer and guitarist of Krallice, Gorguts, Dysrhythmia, Behold… The Arctopus and Byla is one of the genre's more accomplished artists.
On Moran's impressive, captivating Bloodroot, she draws parallels between black metal and the intensely repetitive patterns composed by 20th century greats like John Adams, Steve Reich and Philip Glass. "Celandine" has a bright, surprisingly uplifting vibe, as though it was penned on a Sunday afternoon in her hometown of New York City. "Freesia," intricate and packed with energy, pairs live piano performances with digitally processed piano samples to create a full, robust sound.
These aren't emotional compositions, but Moran's technique will win you over.
(Telegraph Harp Records)On Moran's impressive, captivating Bloodroot, she draws parallels between black metal and the intensely repetitive patterns composed by 20th century greats like John Adams, Steve Reich and Philip Glass. "Celandine" has a bright, surprisingly uplifting vibe, as though it was penned on a Sunday afternoon in her hometown of New York City. "Freesia," intricate and packed with energy, pairs live piano performances with digitally processed piano samples to create a full, robust sound.
These aren't emotional compositions, but Moran's technique will win you over.