Album Review from the Journal of Sonic Urbanism and Humanities (Spring 2023)

Burlington Sonic Hauntologies is an album that encapsulates the spirit of a city undergoing constant change. Through a kaleidoscope of sonic forms, the album weaves together a rich tapestry of soundscapes, field recordings, spoken word, historical artifacts, and musical experimentation. The result is a hauntingly beautiful and deeply evocative journey that transports the listener through the many dimensions of Burlington, Vermont and the history of Urban Renewal.

At its core, Burlington Sonic Hauntologies is a collaborative work that brings together a diverse group of artists from different backgrounds and disciplines, from across Champlain College. From the musicians who contributed to the musical pieces, to the writers who penned the album liner notes and historical companion, to the visual artists who created the album cover art, each contributor brings a unique perspective and voice to the project. Together, they create a rich and multi-layered sonic portrait of Burlington that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.

One of the standout tracks on the album is “Postcards from Yesteryear,” a hauntingly beautiful piece that incorporates old sheet music and historical recordings from the Champlain College’s Special Collection Archives archives. The result is a sonic collage that captures the essence of Burlington's rich musical history. Another highlight is “City of Theseus,” a spoken word piece that explores the many dimensions of Burlington's urban transformation. The piece is a powerful reminder of the complex interplay between gentrification, community, and the changing landscape of cities. This doesn’t even mention the standout hit singles “A Single Pebble” and “Urban Renewal Anthem” that should be the hit song of the Burlington summer.

The album is particularly impressive for the the diversity of sounds that make up the album, from the roar of a ship’s horn to the electrical buzz of light fixtures to the cyclic cascading sounds of transportation at the airport to the geologic immersion into the dirt of Burlington’s famous Pit, all work together to put the listener deep within the city.

Throughout the album, there are many moments where the music experiments with genre and vibe. From the jazzy, manipulated improvisations on “Lights that talk for us and guide us home” to the dreamy atmospherics of “The Pit is Mourning,” the album is a testament to the power of musical experimentation. Other pieces use creative narrative to communicate a sense of past, present, and future (through the motif of time travelers visiting from the future!). Overall, the musicians and sonic gleaners involved in the project have a keen ear for texture and mood, and they know how to create music that is both evocative and emotionally resonant.

The album closes with a composite field recording of a street performers on Church Street, both in the past and present playing, among other things, a melancholic tune on a violin, interspersed with the playing of a musical piece found in the archives from circa 1900. It's a fitting conclusion to the album, setting the tone for the haunting and introspective journey that lies ahead.

Beyond the music itself, the album is also a visual and textual feast. The album liner notes are filled with insightful reflections on Burlington's history and cultural landscape, while the historical companion provides a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. The album cover art, which features a photograph of the iconic Church Street Marketplace and the city of the past and the present, captures the essence of Burlington's unique blend of old and new.

Overall, Burlington Sonic Hauntologies is a deeply rewarding and immersive listening experience. It's an album that captures the essence of a city undergoing constant transformation, weaving together the many dimensions of Burlington in sonic form. The collective work of all the artists involved in the project is nothing short of remarkable, creating a rich and multi-layered work of art that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.

In the end, it's hard to overstate just how powerful and evocative Burlington Sonic Hauntologies is. It's an album that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the tug of nostalgia for a place they once called home, tuned into the way the past haunts the present, or who has been captivated by the complex interplay between urban change, community, and culture. With its stunning sonic landscapes, rich historical artifacts, and evocative musical experimentation, Burlington Sonic Hauntologies is a triumph of artistic collaboration and a true gem of an album.