Reviews:
(Vital Weekly) Label boss Bryan Day works with Jay Kreimer as Seeded Plain. The day is foremost a sculpture of instruments, boxes, strings, springs and metal, and he improvises with them. A long time ago, I reviewed a solo release of Kreimer (Vital Weekly 782), and he's more of a percussion player. Seeded Plain has existed for some fifteen years now, and I reviewed two of their releases before (Vital Weekly 662 and 763), also a long time ago, so I am a bit blank here. I don't know if there was a long gap in these men playing again or if there was no release (that I received). One short and three long pieces might be too long, clocking in at close to an hour. Seeded Plain's music isn't easy to digest, being a very densely orchestrated mixture of metallic percussion, bowed strings and other electro-acoustic music. It is very collage-like, even when there isn't much through lay and hard edits—more a continuous, subconscious stream of sounds. The music was recorded during Kreimer's Fulbright fellowship in India, so the pieces are named after the location where they performed. I like all four pieces, but especially the last one, 'Hyderabad Two', which contains overtone/throat singing and some subdued electronics, creating quite a different atmosphere. The short opening reminded me of Dome. 'Hyderabad One' and 'Bangalore' are more conventional pieces of improvised electro-acoustic music and not too different, so if one went, the album would be stronger with three variations in approach—still a fine album, of course. - Frans de Waard
(Gajoob)“Badminton, The Volleys” by Seeded Plain is a sonic exploration that challenges traditional notions of music and sound. Released in 2023, this album is a testament to the inventive genius of Jay Kreimer and Bryan Day, who have used their unique skills to create a work that is as engaging as it is innovative. The album, recorded across various locations in India during October 2022, is a fascinating blend of improvised sounds and invented instruments. Kreimer, a seasoned musician and instrument inventor, brings his expertise to the fore, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and foreign. Day, an adventurer in sound and a creator of intriguing contraptions, adds his distinctive touch, resulting in a sonic experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. “Badminton, The Volleys” is a journey through a world of machine shop percussion, diverse plucks, plonks, bends, brushes, patterns, crashes, rumbling drones and more. The sounds swell and lull, creating a dynamic rhythm that keeps the listener engaged throughout. Each track is a distinct entity, yet they come together to form a cohesive whole. The music is animated and entertaining, with a sense of spontaneity that adds to its charm. The sounds are raw and unfiltered, giving the album an organic feel that sets it apart. What makes “Badminton, The Volleys” truly special is the way it blurs the line between music and noise. Kreimer and Day challenge the listener to rethink their perceptions of what constitutes music, creating a soundscape that is as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable. The production quality of the album is commendable, with each sound clearly defined and well-balanced. The album’s artwork, featuring photos by Kreimer and Pooja Usha, adds a visual dimension that complements the music perfectly. “Badminton, The Volleys” is an adventurous exploration of sound that pushes the boundaries of music. It’s a testament to the creativity and innovation of Seeded Plain, making it a must-listen for fans of experimental music. - Bryan Baker
(Lost in a Sea of Sound) The aural landscape is all the way fractured from Seeded Plain's new release titled Badminton, The Volleys. Lengthy chasms in the ground revealing a glowing red-orange river miles below. These sounds tear through conscious space. Sonic glass shards, some smooth and others razor sharp. Everything moving in chaotic pace as a cacophony of brilliantly clear sonic energy sinks deep into thought. This is a language in sound only a few speak, Latin to us but a high choral mass for Seeded Plain. After a short introduction, Badminton, The Volleys consists of three long species. All recording being done in India across three different Indian States, Gujarat, Telangana and Karnatak. Seeded Plain is a long running project by Bryan Day and Jay Kreimer. All sounds are from instruments created by Bryan and Jay, who are skilled artists, craftsmen and musicians. A next level in everything for those pressing play. Lost in a Sea of Sound attempted to duct tape a description together a few years back for Seeded Plain's Flying Falling composition. Similar in some sound, Badminton, The Volleys seems a little more heavy, more ominous. The last track using vocals by Trishant Shetty taking everything to a meditative abyss. Released on Public Eyesore on compact disc. Not sure how many editions were run, but physical copies are available from both Public Eyesore Records and their bandcamp page. - Ken Lower
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