AMN Reviews: Michael Bonaventure – Works 2018 – 2023 (2023; Unexplained Sounds Group)

Michael Bonaventure is a sui generis composer and performer. Based in Edinburgh and Amsterdam, he composes experimental pieces for organ and electronics, often blending traditional instrumentation and his classical training with other sources and influences in a surprisingly seamless fashion.

Works 2018 – 2023 is a collection of his recent efforts and a follow-up to Works 2008 – 2017. In between, he also released In Tenebris Ratione Organi and contributed a number of recordings to thematic and regional compilations on the Unexplained Sounds Group and Eighth Tower Records labels.

As expected, these pieces are heavy with organ and keyboard. Despite being the longest on the album, Astromorph is an excellent representative track. It begins with several minutes of dark yet gently rolling organ drone. From there, shimmering elements emerge in the foreground along with strange bursts that simulate vocalizations. A gritty, deeper drone is added to the mix around the halfway point, along with sparse echoing percussives toward the finale.

The remaining tracks each exhibit their own unique character within a similar context. A notable example is The Land of Silence, which incorporates liturgical voice, quieter drones, and melodic organ chording for a haunting yet strangely uplifting atmosphere.

One of the most compelling aspects of Bonaventure’s output is that he seems to have absorbed the Kosmiche influences of the last several decades but eschews following too closely in the pioneers’ footsteps. You might hear vestiges of Klaus Schulze (among others) here and there, but Bonaventure hoves closers to experimental and electroacoustic music that is of a modern character and beyond ambient.