Transient v Resident: Medulla

Transient v Resident is an electro-acoustic duo of Martin Archer and Chris Bywater. I can't remember the gig on 8 March 2002 where I bought this.

It just might be a great album. The space it creates, and the depth of field, are extraordinary, and the mix of textures between electronic and acoustic instruments (trumpet, acoustic guitar) is never less than interesting.

The intriguing thing, which is bound to undermine what modest commercial viability it might aspire to, is that the music is the polar opposite of catchy. I write this a matter of minutes after playing the album, and I can't remember a thing about the sound — just the impression it left. It's drenched in the waters of lethe. Hence it's difficult to foresee it ever becoming a favourite. So I must make this note to myself: it's good.

Björk must have liked the album because she stole the title.

Buy this album direct from Martin Archer

MusicBrainz entry for this album BBC review of this album