"PROFFER" by Lance Gurisik - A Masterful Blend of Innovation and Emotion

Lance Gurisik released his highly anticipated sophomore album, "PROFFER," under his Sydney-based label 33 Sides, with global distribution through Inertia/PIAS. This album solidifies Gurisik’s reputation as a trailblazer in contemporary music, blending jazz, electronica, and modern classical elements into a cohesive and captivating soundscape.

Gurisik's previous work, "CULL PORTAL," was celebrated for its fusion of modal jazz and electronic influences, earning critical acclaim and an ARIA nomination. With "PROFFER," Gurisik expands his artistic vision, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences, including German krautrock hero Manuel Göttsching, French synth legends AIR, minimalist composer Terry Riley, and classical composers Ralph Vaughan Williams and Alexander Scriabin.

"PROFFER" is a maximalist exploration of experimental electronic, jazz, and modern classical forms. The album features collaborations with Lamorna Nightingale on alto and bass flute, Nick Meredith on drums and percussion, a 16-piece string section performed by Ian Cooper on violins and violas, Paul Ghica on Viola da Gamba and cellos, and Gurisik himself on modular synth and keyboards. These collaborations add depth and texture to the album, showcasing Gurisik’s ability to blend diverse musical elements seamlessly.

The album opens with "STASIS," a track that immediately draws listeners into Gurisik’s meticulously crafted world. The rich, textured soundscapes set the stage for the rest of the album, with each subsequent track building on this foundation. "PREDNISONE" captures the manic and hyper-focused state induced by the medication Prednisone, reflecting a turbulent period in Gurisik’s life with intense electronic beats and haunting melodies.

"WELTER," the album’s first single, exemplifies Gurisik’s ability to blend live strings with electronic elements, creating a warm and embracing auditory experience. The accompanying video, crafted by Chinese-American visual artist Danski Tang, enhances this experience with its dreamlike 2D hand-drawn animation, mirroring the album's psychedelic fusion and transcendence themes.

"GLUT," the first track Gurisik began writing for the album, dives into the sound world of the Verbos modular synth system. This track stands out for its cyclical, trance-like composition, influenced by American Minimalist composers Steve Reich and Terry Riley. Lamorna Nightingale’s alto flute performance adds a lyrical quality that beautifully intertwines with the electronic foundation, making "GLUT" a hypnotic and deeply engaging piece.

The visual artistry accompanying "PROFFER" is equally compelling. London-based artist Morgan Beringer’s work on the videos for "PREDNISONE" and "GLUT" employs abstract digital techniques and glitch aesthetics, creating dynamic and sometimes disorienting imagery that reflects the album’s surreal and immersive nature. Beringer’s AI-generated visuals ensure that viewers discover new elements with each watch, perfectly complementing the intricate layers and shifting tones of Gurisik's music.

"PROFFER" challenges prevailing norms in the music industry by advocating for music as a vehicle of escapism and self-exploration through active listening. Its maximalist approach to composition and production pushes the boundaries of where experimental electronic, jazz, and modern classical forms meet, creating an adventurous and cinematic listening journey.

The album’s tracklist, including highlights like "DESINENCE," "BALANCE," "NÉPZENE," "CHANGES," and the title track "PROFFER," weaves a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. Each track offers a unique sonic landscape, contributing to a holistic experience that demands repeat listens to fully appreciate its depth and complexity.

In "PROFFER," Lance Gurisik has crafted an album that is not just a collection of songs but a multi-sensory journey. By integrating pioneering visual artistry with his innovative compositions, Gurisik has ensured that "PROFFER" is a landmark project in contemporary music and art, inviting audiences to explore the rich intersections of sound and sight. This album is a bold statement of creative vision, promising to captivate and inspire listeners worldwide.