Long into his varied, restless recording life, Steven R. Smith continues to deliver moments of wonder. Spring, like much of his very best, explores small notions that shift and expand to reveal a private sort of grandeur. Joining Smith on Spring is Gareth Davis, the Amsterdam-based bass clarinetist and occasional collaborator of Machinefabriek, Merzbow, Elliot Sharp and Smith himself, and his presence here is crucial. The restrained interplay between Smith (on guitar, piano, percussion etc.) and Davis create a warmth and intimacy akin to Mark Hollis' masterful eponymous solo LP. Steven R. Smith has been a quiet force in underground psych/post-punk circles since the mid-90s. In addtion to a handful of classic releases under his own name, Smith is perhaps better known for the material releases under various pseudonyms (e.g. Hala Strana, Ulaan Khol, Ulaan Markhor, etc.) or as a member of cult acts like Mirza and Thuja. Spring is the latest entry point into his own particular version of cinematic composition.
