Modes of Vibration by Gadi Sassoon is a project that unfolds over three parts – a twelve track album, a live performance, and an innovative virtual instrument.

By Graeme Smith

It’s our first encounter with the Milan, Italy-based, electronic artist but I’m sure it won’t be our last. He combines his classically-trained background with some cutting edge experimentation to create the kind of unique sound of which I can’t get enough.

Genre-wise, Modes of Vibration is ambient. Yet, while much of that genre is designed to provide sound that simply fills space, Gadi creates music which also challenges. There are sharp edges, conflicting layers and elements that are beautifully undefinable.

Synthesis x Sculpture introduces the collection by bringing together a collection of unexpected sounds. Tuning Razors provides a hypnotically pulsating moment. Augmented Violin is a dramatic and layered composition. Per Nikita is a delightfully track. Mother’s Harmonium reinvents the whole concept of folk music. Digital Twin rounds off the album as it began, pushing the envelope in terms of compositional elements.

Modes of Vibration is Gadi’s third full-length album and continues to redefine what we think music is in a digital age, creating ethically-trained AI with which to duet. For it, he’s also turned back to the physical world, constructing a sculpture-based synth built from four metal plates and electronics in order to create its unique sound.

“People are fascinated by seeing the vibrations in these plates,” says Sassoon. “A piano vibrates too, but this is displayed as an ‘object d’art.’ A bigger conversation is why people perceive this as art compared to a piano or guitar that also vibrates. People are intrigued by why this makes sounds, and why it makes sounds they like!”

Modes of Vibration is out now and you can give it a listen below.