Magda Drozd - In Memoriam (Rivercore)

Magda Drozd is an uncompromising artist that utilises her multi-instrumental prowess and studio ability to alternate between cutting edge, unignorable alt-pop and more experimental voiceless soundscapes that despite their lack of lyrical content still manage to say a lot.

Born in Poland she now resides in Zurich where she keeps busy not only creating and collaborating, but also curating and teaching around the city. If that wasn't enough she's just founded the Rivercore label to release, "ambient, experimental, soundscapes & beyond". "In Memoriam" is its inaugural release.

As you'd expect "In Memoriam" doesn't mess around. Percussive field recordings herald something different is about to happen, they're then swiftly joined by a haunting, somewhat austere violin which stirs a chorus of found and electronic sounds into life which proceed to swirl around the gradually expanding orchestral strings, blurring the lines between the acoustic, electronic, found, forged, past, present, future, real and imagined.

It's a powerful, stirring composition and an adventurous slice of neoclassical music which sets a high bar and uncompromising tone for her new label, which I for one am now following with interest.

Playlist Companion

You can also find "In Memoriam" stirring up the Slow Neoclassical Playlist, which is available on multiple streaming platforms.