This past month, Manchester’s electro-acoustic trio GoGo Penguin released a brilliant new EP on Blue Note Records, titled Ocean In A Drop featuring music excerpts from their original score to Godfrey Reggio’s 1983 cult film, Koyaanisqatsi.

Envisioned as a critique of modern technology and its impact on nature, Reggio’s film (which title translates to “Life Out Of Balance”) features a stunning montage of both sped up and slow moving images with the original score created by Philip Glass.

The UK trio has produced a brilliant new score that compliments the film beautifully, featuring a nice blend of softer calming minimalistic moments, as well as explosive intricate melodies that often create an atmosphere of tension and intensity. The music, much like the film achieves visually, takes the listener a sonic journey full of contrast and dynamic sequences.

Featuring pianist Chris Illingworth, bassist Nick Blacka and drummer Rob Turner, this is the band’s third release on Blue Note, following two breakthrough recording’s on Matthew Halswell’s Gondwana label.

Overall, the 10-inch EP release is remarkable from start to finish, and is quite arguably the group’s most adventurous recording to date. 

GoGo Penguin — ‘Ocean In A Drop’ EP
(Blue Note Records)

1. Time-Lapse City
2. Control Shift
3. Four Corners
4. Ocean in a Drop
5. Nessus

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• ELECTRONIC MUSIC
• Jazz
• Soundtrack