Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Spring 2024 29 CD REVIEWS DUEL Lucy Abrams-Husso Released April 8, 2022 SAI Lucy Abrams-Husso (init. Sigma Delta) of Helsinki has put together a collection of pieces that combine the unique timbre of the clarinet with electronics. And while that may seem like an odd combination–even a combative one– Abrams-Husso's performances prove that it is indeed possible. Perhaps that is the point of her first studio recording being called Duel. If you're looking for a testament to the clarinet's potential with electronics and fixed media, look no further. Each performance captures and conveys a variety of emotions, pulling from inspirations in real life, film, classic literature, and Greek mythology. "Seireenietydi" is, according to the record's accompanying liner notes, a musical retelling of Franz Ka a's The Silence of the Sirens. But these are not the mermaids that captured our imaginations as children. Sirens in Greek mythology are not as friendly (and can even be sinister if you get on their bad side), and this piece is a perfect illustration of that. One can also argue that Duel is experimental, or at least champions experimental styles of performance and composition. For example, "Earthship" features not only clarinet, but violin, cello, percussion, piano, and even flute and piccolo, during which the pianist actually reaches in and plays inside the piano! The album is available for streaming on Spotify. https://www.lucyabrams.net/duel GODMODE In This Moment BMG Released Oct. 27, 2023 IN video games, "god mode" is referred to as a cheat code to make a player's character invincible, and this definition perfectly captures the essence of In This Moment's eighth studio album. The Los Angeles-based quintet (led by frontwoman Maria Brink) seamlessly blends electronic elements with heavy metalcore to create an ethereal, hypnotic, and progressive sound that is best listened to with headphones. The record contains multiple standout tracks. "THE PURGE" includes Brink performing an astounding twenty-five second scream. This vocal style requires precise control to prevent damage to the vocal folds, and this piece showcases the true talent it takes to create music in this particular genre. "FATE BRINGER" is a fierce anthem of independence and liberation with its powerful, confident swing. The album also includes a cover of Björk''s "ARMY OF ME," a feature with Ice Nine Kills lead vocalist Spencer Charnas on "DAMAGED," as well as "I Would Die For You," which was previously featured on the soundtrack for John Wick: Chapter 4. Godmode is available on CD and vinyl, as well as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. NAME INITIATING CHAPTER INITIATION DATE RESIDENCE Gladys Jule (Warmbold) Steeg Tait (P) Zeta 12/3/1946 San Mateo, CA Carol (Sauders) Stubbs Zeta 4/26/1949 Carlsbad, CA Carol (Bliss) Torrence Alpha Beta 5/15/1949 Gilbert, AZ Harriett (Nesbitt) Thompson Iota Phi 2/21/1953 Nashville, TN Louise (McClelland) Urban Gamma Epsilon 5/8/1966 Fairfax, VA Mary Margaret (McGill) Walters Sigma Beta 5/2/1942 Newark, OH Dr. Jean Mary (Ohlsson) West Gamma Iota 4/3/1968 Deland, FL MEMBER LAUREATE Dr. Roslyn Rensch Erbes Noah Beta 4/1/1980 New York, NY HONORARY Mildred Miller Posvar Lambda 4/23/1953 Pittsburgh, PA NATIONAL ARTS ASSOCIATE Dr. Robert Hart Baker St. Louis 5/22/2016 Belleville, IL F. Joseph Docksey Sigma Upsilon 2/26/2011 Castle Rock, CO FRIEND OF THE ARTS Clyde E. Miller Denton 9/21/1998 Denton, TX COMPOSER David Del Tredici New York, NY Reviewed by Rebekah Strain (See bio, pg 23)

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