‘Time Poetries’ is a conceptually and sonically overwhelming album that focuses on the perception of time. It takes rhythmic illusions such as infinite accelerando and ritardando as its starting point, inspired by the research of French composer Jean-Claude Risset. Carlos Guedes develops an independent musical language from this, combining minimal music, polyrhythm and electronic sound art.

The album combines two works: the six-part cycle Time Poetries for percussion quartet and fixed media electronics, and the three movement Fragile Ecosystems for bass drum and electronics. Realised in close collaboration with the Drumming GP ensemble, the result is music that is strictly constructed and yet sensually immediate. Analogue synthesizers such as the Minimoog Model D expand the acoustic instruments and create dazzling, sometimes psychedelic soundscapes. Pulsating grooves, polymetric overlays and spatial effects blur the boundaries between percussion and electronics. Fragile Ecosystems focuses on the archaic power of the bass drum.

‘Time Poetries’ is a striking statement of contemporary Portuguese music – innovative, independent and of great sonic intensity.

The album is available on CD, and for streaming in Dolby Atmos. The spatial dimension of this music unfolds impressively, especially in the immersive format.