Although the title “Drones postquimio” places the listener in a specific context -reinforced by extended sound materials, namely “drones”- José Gallardo ’s album presents a series of electroacoustic pieces that, while serene and close to an ambient sensibility, contain gestures and articulations that are both delicately handled and highly crafted. These fine details reflect a form of sonic composition rooted in a broad background in electroacoustic music.

The use of tonal elements embodied in synthesized textures, certain repetitive cells, and the aforementioned atmospheric sense of rhythm situate the work within a hybrid territory, at the intersection of traditions such as tape music, ambient and its subgenres, and certain traits of German kosmische Musik. In this way, tonality fades in some passages, as in the piece “4,4”. At other moments, the sound becomes abrasive through raw synthesis and the deployment of mono tracks on each channel -effectively dissociating the stereo field- as heard in parts of the piece “5”.

In the closing tracks, “6,6” and “coda”, rhythmic sequences emerge, both carrying a hint of tonal illusion interwoven with darker elements.

The seven pieces, all brief, seem to invite reflection, encouraging the listener to sink into a fleeting sensation or emotion, distancing themselves from the familiar “chill” territories of ambient, the mysticism of drone, or the excessive articulation of more traditional electroacoustic music.

Alejandro Albornoz.
(Valdivia, Chile. February 2026)