Composer and multi-instrumentalist Lauren Gurgiolo plays guitar for Austin-based band Okkervil River. While on tour with Okkervil, she was inspired to write seven new pieces for her musical project, The Dialtones. The inspiration? Gurgioli’s longtime obsession with Kierkegaard’s “A Seducer’s Diary,” from the book Either/Or by the nineteenth century Danish philosopher. Gurgioli composed the music specifically for The Dialtones, collectively under the title Calculated Carelessness, based upon the various characteristics of Kierkegaard’s writing, utilizing deconstructed lines from the story as lyrics.
It seems like rather an imposing undertaking. But Gurgiolo and the talented ensemble of local musicians – keyboardist and vocalist Karla Manzur (Dana Falconberry, Alejandro Escovedo), sound manipulator Lindsay Greene (Paula Nelson, Elizabeth McQueen), Korg player, trumpeter and vocalist Michael St. Clair (Okkervil River, Polyphonic Spree), and drummer Andrew Gerfers (Friends of Dean Martinez, The Conrads) – rather vividly brought to life the dark and complex subject matter of Kierkegaard’s story.
The Dialtones will release the music on an album (Calculated Carelessness) this week with a special multi-media installation at the Museum of Human Achievement in East Austin. You can experience this installation of interactive sculpture and projection tomorrow through Sunday at the museum. Be sure to visit The Dialtones’ website for directions and ticket information. Recommended.
