Working under the moniker Counterspark, Johnny Utterback’s new E.P. ‘Existence’
brings new life to the term minimalism. Deeply rooted in a folk sensibility, Utterback’s newest sonic offering explores minimalist concepts in a way that only a very young artist could. He approaches it with new eyes and new ears and a deep appreciation and understanding of the past that older artists might have long since abandoned in favor of concepts already ingrained in their artist psyche.

Four short tracks with durations 4:05 to 5:05 minutes in length entitled Dawn, Highways, Atmosphere and Street Lights comprise this fresh new release on Archaic Horizon Records.
Each track, simply titled in one or two words brings to mind a single sonic image which touches me both on an emotional and meditative level, a rare combination in the ambient genre. Perhaps taking cue’s from early ambient albums like ‘Music for Airports’ these four tracks have a subtle balance that remind me of short works of Chinese poetry set in Utterback’s home in the rural country side of eastern North America. Much like naturalist poetry, these short works embody the spirit of their subjects and allow them to arise in ones mind as a point of contemplation.

One of the things I most enjoy about ‘Existence’ is its folksy vibe. Where as one can detect its rustic roots, it never relies on the harmonic or structural elements present in most American Folk music. Rather, its roots come straight from the earth, straight from the blood, and as Utterback described himself, straight from his own heart.

I love reviewing artists albums because it gives me the opportunity to get to know the composer better and to ask questions that some people might not think to ask an artist about their process. When I spoke to Johnny Utterback about this beautiful album and about how he made it, I was expecting for him to describe the synths or software that he used to create it, but instead he talked to me about the life situations that he was involved in at the time, he talked about using the album as a way to move through life’s good times and bad times. I can really relate to that and i think a lot of us can as well. Sometimes the most meaningful art comes straight from the gut, sometimes we don’t know where it comes from or how it got there.

In the tradition of so much folk music, Counterspark’s new Archaic Horizon release are truly little snap shots of life’s ups and downs. Speaking of snapshots make sure to visit Utterback’s flickr page
where his photography is sure to explain more about his music that my words ever could. It will be intersting to see where this young artist takes his music and where his music takes us.

Johnny Utterback’s music in his own words

music comes and goes
i have intense periods where that is all i do
is write music
or take photos
or ride bikes
or design
everything goes in loops for me
life works in loops for me
or i view it in loops
thats why all my music is loops

edited by will thomas long