Album of the Week - David Grubbs & Taku Unami - Comet Meta

In a world filled with noise and static rooted in societal trauma, sometimes an album of minimalist compositions hits just right. That was certainly the case this past weekend. On Comet Meta, David Grubbs and Taku Unami utilize guitar, piano, and light field recordings across seven tracks to create starkly beautiful landscapes. The duo has collaborated together before, and the music found here feels responsive and conversational - like a back and forth between old friends as the listener eavesdrops in on the hushed tones. The album is completely instrumental, except for a bit of ambient sound recorded at the Boston Marathon, but the songs still seem to speak. However, Comet Meta is in no way busy, and sitting with it from start to finish acts as a calming 40-minute meditation. With all that is happening today, it is a welcome exercise.