Guitar Genius: LFZ – “Naturalistic”

LFZ

“Naturalistic”

Name Plus Force

This record is amazing.  LFZ is an ambient, experimental act and the pseudonym of guitarist Sean Smith.  While many ambient acts are mainly synthesizers, Sean Smith’s weapon of choice is the guitar, which he filters through numerous types of machines, coming up with music that is spacey and mechanical, yet is still mainly beautiful guitar riffs played by a genius.  This is truly a unique sound; the only piece I can compare it with is Chris Squire’s “The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)”.

Smith says about “Naturalistic”:

“Where most of “Name Plus Focus” deals with airy themes, “Naturalistic” is elementally the most earthy piece on the record and is more about conjuring an image or place to ones mind than the usual emotional abstractions in my work. I visualize an ancient woodland ritual or a lumbering mammal or an insect on the move in the redwoods of Northern California, but the listener should experience the freedom to perceive natural spaces familiar to them.” 

This is one of the most satisfying musical experiences and an instant classic.  Brian Eno would be so proud.