ALBUM OF THE DAY

Natural Information Society and Bitchin Bajas, “Totality”

By Jennifer Kelly

· April 24, 2025

Explore the harmonious intersection of two remarkable musical ensembles rooted in the vibrant city of Chicago. Natural Information Society, led by Joshua Abrams, invites listeners to experience a captivating journey through rhythmic repetition, crafting intricate mandalas of sound. Their expansive track, “Finite,” from the album Mandatory Reality, unfolds over 39 minutes, immersing you in a world of mesmeric patterns, where minimalist percussion and acoustic bass create an inviting atmosphere.

Bitchin Bajas offers a contrasting approach, with their exploration of enveloping drone sounds that gracefully float beyond the confines of time and tempo. Their notes intertwine like the ethereal colors of the northern lights, creating a space filled with soothing vibrations. While Natural Information Society leans into organic textures, incorporating instruments such as the African guembri and harmonium, Bitchin Bajas embraces a blend of technologically influenced sounds through synths, keyboards, and woodwinds. Though their styles differ, they share a musical kinship, having collaborated on the enchanting album Autoimaginary in 2015. Their latest collaborative creation maintains this spirit, featuring one expansive side-long meditational drone alongside a series of shorter, rhythmically agile pieces.

The title track, “Totality,” begins as a luscious blend of tones and textures, a gentle drone enriched by delicate melodies fluttering within. This sound envelops the listener, much like still water fills a serene lake, offering peace from edge to edge. As the track unfolds, dynamic and punctuating elements emerge—the resonant thump of bass notes, and playful explorations on bass clarinet and flute. You can sense the music blossoming, as unique sounds evolve from the flowing drone, taking on a life of their own, akin to organisms developing from the essence of creation. By the end of its 22-minute journey, “Totality” transforms, capturing a vibrant energy propelled by Abrams’s persistent bass patterns and Mikel Patrick Avery’s gentle drumming, manifesting after a gradual, meditative evolution.

The album’s second side features three more thoughtfully crafted pieces that uplift the spirit with energetic rhythms. Among these, “Clock No Clock” stands out, building a serene tension from its slow-moving rhythm. Its tick-tocking cadence gently oscillates back and forth, reminiscent of a pendulum swinging rhythmically. This steadfast rhythm provides a solid foundation for whimsical instrumental explorations—cascading flutes, soothing keyboard drones, and delightful electronic accents all create a joyful tapestry of sound. While Natural Information Society shapes the framework, Bitchin Bajas fills it with vibrant expressions, weaving together a beautiful balance of structure and spontaneity. This collaborative effort represents a sublime fusion of creativity, offering a transformative musical experience that nourishes the soul.

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