When the focus of one’s release is "the sentiment of death as productive force", there must be an ongoing respect of the source material, deeply felt, at the heart of the work. McDowall and Kone are reverent the entire time, perfectly blending their own unique sonic talents and birthing something fragile, nuanced, and draped in shadow.
The Ghost of Georges Bataille is the first recorded collaboration between Drew McDowall (Coil) and Nicky Mao (aka Hiro Kone) and was recorded in only a week, however, anyone thinking that wasn't ample time to craft something genuine or compelling should think back to that alleged Picasso anecdote.
"Barely Awake" opens with a metallic drone and develops into what could be the last breaths of some dying being, desperate yet also resigned. Death is to be feared, but it may not be an end.
"Dreaming Is Nursed In Darkness" thrums and fizzles with odd, alien vocalizations before a beat makes itself known. Then jagged, icy programming delivers a fantastic sense of dynamism.
"Bright Kiss of Fire" is dark and cavernous, tense and anxious.
The centerpiece of Ghost, "Violence’s Detour", maintains a solemn, dour beauty. Warmth washes over the listener for a bit before a stuttering, broken beat kicks in, adding chaos and unrest.
"Not for the casual listener" stands alone as a sort of warning at the bottom of a paragraph in the album's press release. While I wholeheartedly agree with that, I can't help but think maybe if more "casual listeners" took their time to sit with and take in work of this calibre, they'd be less "casual".
The Ghost of Georges Bataille is a sepulchral triumph, meaningful and arresting, and, hopefully, the first of many collaborations between McDowall and Kone.
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