Disintegraton loops

Covering a festival like SXSW often means discovering many films that we wouldn't necessarily go see in theaters or simply watch on TV. Yet Disintegraton loops proves to be a compelling music documentary film that examines the work of avant-garde composer William Basinski related to 9/11 from a contemporary quarantine perspective, as we approach the 20th anniversary of that event.

The film provides a fresh look at the work of William Basinski, including the legacy of these tapes, and what inspired him. Through numerous video excerpts, anecdotes and long moments of an interview on Zoom, Disintegraton loops reminds us of the historical impact of September 11, 2001 on our collective consciousness.

William Basinski reveals himself as an experimental composer, sound sculptor and video artist. We discover an experimenter obsessed with reel-to-reel tape recorders, who splices and crushes the tape. His musical signature translates, interestingly, into deeply emotional sounds filled with multiple tones, drones, textures and nuances that are as beautiful as they are dark. Although best known for his career-defining 2002 album "The Disintegration Loops," William Basinski has recorded and released new music prolifically, expanding his beautiful and emotionally resonant sounds with albums such as the mournful 2020 Lamentations.

Disintegraton loops, despite its short length, proves to be a successful documentary film that deserves to be discovered and, above all, takes a fresh look at underground music and musical creativity.

Disintegraton loops
Written and directed by David Wexler
Produced by David Wexler, Bradford Coleman
Starring William Basinski
Music by William Basinski
Cinematography : Ryan Mitchel
Edited by Bradford Coleman
Release date : March 18 2021 (SXSW)
Running time : 45 minutes

Seen on March 16, 2021

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