Shear Planes (2022)

Third in the Moraine Sequence, an ongoing series of recordings influenced by research into glacigenic landforms, Shear Planes features two longform works that must comprise some of the most caustic recordings in Skelton’s extensive catalogue.

In the study of glacial rheology, ‘basal shear stress’ is the cumulative force directed upon the ground at the base of an ice sheet or glacier. The underlying bedrock can therefore become deformed due to the immense hydrostatic pressures involved. Accordingly, Shear Planes inflicts various deformatory processes upon simple waveforms to create a succession of auditory landscapes that seem to heave under the overwhelming duress of an unseen oppressive presence.

Released as a white cassette with black on-body printing in a white card enclosure, accompanied by a download card featuring unique verso artwork.