Monkey King

The CD Opens with the ‘bonus’ track “Wu Xing – Cycle of Destruction” which through seemingly simple, yet highly complex electronic sequencing, drones and textures, captures the elements of metal, wood, earth, water and fire. It presents the elements in a transcendental way by exploring them conceptually and spiritually as well as recounting their physicality. The 20 minute piece’s water section is a single data loop that is continually manipulated and the it culminates with a fire of immense energy. “Monkey King” is an electronic soundtrack to one of China’s classic works of literature, “Journey to the West”. Utilising vast amounts of hard and soft ware Schrader closely recreates the textures, tones, harmonies and resonance of traditional Chinese instrumentation. Each section is hailed into being with the powerful crash of electronically replicated gong and manufactured plucked, bowed and hammered strings, bells, cymbals and chimes and blown bamboo are omnipresent. Conjuring readily reflections of an underworldly, spiritual landscape set within Chinese mythology it is difficult to remain cerebrally rooted in the contemporary age in which the suite was composed. “Monkey King” harmoniously coexists between modern technology and ancient mythology.

– Will F., Leicester Bangs

Hmmm…this is a very unusual album to say the least. Barry Schrader is a decidedly unconventional recording artist seemingly unconcerned with things like commercial appeal and popularity. Monkey King is divided into two segments. The first is entitled “Wu Xing – Cycle of Destruction.” This piece explores the five ancient Chinese elements: metal, wood, earth, water, and fire. But don’t expect to hear the type of Chinese music you hear in your typical Asian restaurant. This lengthy piece which lasts almost twenty minutes is a modern excursion into the world of atmospheric electronics. It’s a strangely odd and hypnotic trip to be certain…and if you turn it up really loud you might just begin to hallucinate. The second segment of this album (entitled “Monkey King”) centers around a fictional character in the 1550 book Journey to the West by Wu Cheng-en. Divided into four pieces, this 37 minute creation is a pure work of audio art. “Monkey King” is more musical than the first track…but there are plenty of unexpected surprises in the music. The track is sometimes very restrained and ambient…while at other times bursts of startling sound seem to attack the unsuspecting listener. Wildly inventive and unconventional, this album will appeal to folks who are drawn to truly strange instrumentals. Chock full of imagination and creativity. Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++)

– Babysue

Mr. Schrader’s newer electroacoustic release, Monkey King (2008), offers the listener a sonic exploration into ancient Chinese tradition and lore. …This sonic journey through birth, growth, trial, and metamorphosis is expertly crafted by Mr. Schrader, who skillfully intertwines timbral, rhythmic, and harmonic material to create an enveloping, engaging soundworld. Layered rhythmic passages give way to dense sweeping textures as sounds expand and contract, developing, returning, and renewing. A slow tolling gong near the piece’s end signifies the convergence of the deities, and a shimmering texture signifiesMonkey King’s enlightenment. Mr. Schrader’s masterful illustration of Monkey King’s story is satisfying musically, regardless of the listener’s familiarity with the work’s programmatic structure.

– Elianie Lillios, Computer Music Journal