MAXIMUM MEMORY [New Noise #034]
- bob soss
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
You've never been one for ensemble playing, but it's a mandatory credit. Sigh. You can already picture it - a whole lot of whole rests and a hole in your heart where sick arpeggios should be. On top of that, the esteemed head of the faculty is away on maternity leave and is replaced by some guy you've never heard of ...
"Maestro Charles Stacy? What is this, the bodega counter orchestra?"
You laugh internally as you read the unfamiliar name on the directory in the main lobby. You make your way down the long main hall and as you hear a strange sound not common to such classical establishments... [KISS VECTOR 0:00]
The sound of some kind of computer flutters through the corridor as the back beat blasts like a wind turbine. Vyvanse Synthesizers bounce off the walls and stab into your ears. You feel your feet pick up the pace allured by the madness. [0:50]
The texture mellows out as it sounds like the computer has started crashing. Left channel, right channel.... All of sudden just as you approach the door a beautiful vocal soars above the colorful chaos.
"Wait...this isn't.... a recording?!"
The strings sweep in mesmerizing arpeggio with a phrase fitting of a disco roller rink.
You wait for the final notes to decay and decide to make your entry. The room isn't so different at first glance than what you'd expect - music stands, somewhat orderly arranged sections.... but the longer you gaze the more subtle detail emerges.
Strange instruments, clothes, a smoke machine... The whole thing has a bit of a surrealist retro future vibe.
You're snapped back into awareness when the eyes of The Maestro meet yours, silently. You're a bit embarrassed but before you say a word he gestures with a head dip towards your seat. You take your place and see the music on the stand...
[MOXIE 0:00]
You look at the sheet music and it isn't familiar to you. Nervous, you see The Maestro "shhh" you. Ok, fair enough, grab some bench rookie.
The band kick in as you try to follow along....
The bass launches into a cosmic groove while the keys evade any known key center splashing around the known Chromatic Universe. Horns take a melody to the stars and by 30 seconds in the drums strap a rocket to the whole thing.
[2:00]
Modulations and expression wheels bend your ear and lift your spirit. Nobody seems to even notice the entire group is hovering one inch off of the ground. You eye the smoke machine.... "Wait....What's in that thing..."
To taps on the podium with his wand and the next tune begins. "This will be the final piece today, thanks for the music everyone"
The first time you heard The Maestro speak...
[DANCING DANGER 0:00]
The lights dim and strobes pulsate the room. You're not sure if that smoke machine if emitting pure DMT or if the music has just taken a hold of every chakra in your system. A really chakra system shocker.
[0:48]
The bass swings around like an out of control amusement park ride, as vocals in no known terrestrial language swirl in the aether. Your neck is in serious danger of getting broken with how hard the groove slaps around between the phased out glitches and funked up horn parts.
You suddenly see a spot in the music, in 8 bars its' time for your solo.
Nervous.
The Maestro looks at you, gesturing in encouragement. You slowly raise your instrument, close your eyes, and for what feels like the first time in your life - begin to play....