Modern Silent Cinema – Hammitt
Founded in 2004, Modern Silent Cinema is the instrumental music project of one Cullen Gallagher of Brooklyn, New York. His latest EP, Hammitt, is the sonic companion to an experimental film of the same name by Matt Barry. As a collection, it presents quite a diverse and intimate listening experience, feeling less like a cohesive album and more like a series of short sonic vignettes, each offering a glimpse into the film’s narrative and emotional landscape.
Just part way through the program, Gallagher’s musical versatility is immediately apparent. The EP moves fluidly between genres, showcasing his proficiency in acoustic and electric guitar, piano, and drums. “The Mystery Writer (Vocal Theme)” opens with a gentle, inviting melody, anchored by acoustic guitar and Gallagher’s mellow vocals, establishing a sense of quiet intrigue.
The instrumental tracks are where Hammitt truly shines. “The Plot Thickens” delivers a raw, almost hypnotic electric guitar riff, reminiscent of Group Doueh’s desert blues. “Sunsetwindowreverie” lives up to its name, offering a series of contemplative guitar figures that evoke a sense of quiet introspection. “The Raven,” a solo piano piece, is a standout, its melancholy melodies painting a vivid picture of solitude and introspection. ”The Continental Op” injects a welcome dose of darkness, with its psychedelic rock textures and harder edge, providing a stark contrast to the more subdued tracks. “Eventide,” a solo slide guitar piece, offers a moment of rustic beauty, evoking a sense of wide-open spaces and quiet contemplation.
The EP closes with two contrasting pieces. “The Mystery Writer (Synth Reprise)” is a playful, almost whimsical ditty, cleverly incorporating a nod to The Doors’ “Light My Fire,” while “The Age of Cinema” returns to the melancholic tone with a solo electric guitar ballad. Overall, while the Hammitt EP’s eclectic nature might feel disjointed to some, it ultimately reflects the fragmented and experimental nature of the film it accompanies. It is also a testament to Gallagher’s ability to create evocative soundscapes with limited instrumentation.
Label: Bad Channels Records Catalog Number: BCR-012 Format: CD-R Packaging: Mini-LP gatefold Tracks: 8 Total Time: 19:53 Country: United States Released: 2024 More: Bandcamp, Official
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