Heat And Dust

Ambient metal outlier and leader of the mighty Earth, Dylan Carlson’s new solo album is the soundtrack to an imaginary western, based on the true story of a conquistador and his twenty-year journey, with his Moorish servant, through an area which is now defined by New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and Texas. Featuring expansive drones and austere guitars, while being freed from the discipline of a rhythm section, Conquistador is minimalist, cinematic stuff that suggests a more leftfield take on Ry Cooder’s soundtrack to Paris, Texas.

The precociously talented Diego Barber is known for the grandeur and majesty of his playing. The fabulous report of the guitarist's tone, his impressive dynamics and exquisiteness of expression are deeply rooted in extraordinary technique. Moreover, Barber is able to make extremely complex harmonic leaps, as well as twist the simplest of melodies into lines uniquely entwined with timbral beauty, ensconced in a dazzling palette of shades. His magnificent abilities were on display on Calima (Sunnyside, 2009), where he appeared to have reached a new zenith of talent. But his wizardry knows no bounds, and The Choice swings dramatically, even as it tells more epic stories from places close to his heart.