Rafael Anton Irisarri - Daydreaming

Championed by the likes of David Sylvian and Thom Yorke, ‘Daydreaming’ is
the stunning debut album from Seattle’s Rafael Anton Irisarri. Originally
released in 2007 on Erik Skodvin’s Miasmah label, to great critical acclaim,
‘Daydreaming’ is a collection of piano led instrumental compositions of
astonishing beauty. ‘Daydreaming’ sounds like a record written for piano,
but it also incorporates an array of modern sound sources in its production.
As the drifting synthesizers lap around the feet of a majestic piano part in
the album’s opening track ‘Waking Expectations’ it is startlingly clear that
there is more to Irisarri than mere stereotyping. This is a carefully
constructed soundtrack to your most intriguing dreams, the dreams you might
remember for a split second upon waking, only to have images creep up on you
some time later.

Those of you left spellbound by Deaf Center’s haunting and beautiful ‘Pale
Ravine’ album will be pleased to know that ‘Daydreaming’ continues in the
tradition of murky, theatrical and deeply imaginative music. Lines of
comparison can be drawn between Irisarri’s compositional approach and the
work of artists as varied as Machinefabriek, Peter Broderick and Mogwai. For
more recent fans discovering the Miasmah label, which boasts a roster of
incredible acts including Jacaszek, Kreng, Greg Haines, Jasper TX, Elegi and
Simon Scott, ‘Daydreaming’ offers another chance to discover a highlight
release from the label’s earlier days.