Harold Budd - Bandits of Stature (LP)

Harold Budd's "Bandits of Stature," released on November 27, 2012, under the Darla label, is a captivating exploration of the string quartet form. This album, commissioned for the Formalist Quartet, presents a collection of 14 compact pieces that blend ambient, minimalism, shoegaze, and drone genres into a cohesive and immersive experience. With a runtime of 44 minutes, each track offers a unique blend of funeral, still string drones and minor-key harmonies, showcasing Budd's distinctive compositional style.

From the evocative "The Dream of the Girl at the Lonely Desert Cafe" to the haunting "Veil of Orpheus," the album takes listeners on a journey through a landscape of sound that is both intimate and expansive. Tracks like "Haru Spring - String Quartet version" and "From the Sea of Changes" highlight Budd's ability to create deeply moving melodies, while "Bandits of Stature" and "Babylon Balboa" add a touch of rhythmic complexity to the collection.

"Bandits of Stature" is not just an album; it's a testament to Harold Budd's enduring influence in the world of modern classical and experimental music. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This LP was released in 2013.