After essentially two decades, it seems almost contrary to supposition for a musician/composer who’s had his hand in so many pots to be only now announcing his “first” solo (electronic) album.
Of course, Rainey’s done a ton of collaborating throughout his generally improvisation-minded career, and From null lands led, starrily — the new album out October 2 courtesy of the dynamic Anòmia outfit — promises to showcase his solitary mind likely more than any other previous release. In other words, get ready to hear the Philly native’s prodigious outbursts unornamanted by the likes of Jason Lescalleet or Greg Kelley (in nmperign). But hey, who says you always need a friend to accompany you to the movies, anyway? (Although, Rainey does seem like a guy whose post-movie commentary would be in high demand, despite his constant annoyance at being desperately asked to deliver his insight regarding “Megatron’s newfound role.”)
Again, this is Rainey’s first solo, electronic, full-length album; which means that all of the non-saxophone and specially-conceived synthesis stuff that you might’ve heard over the years is taking center stage for the prescribed length. And that “length” then takes on a new significance when you consider the role that space plays in his music, because it essentially makes the album the musical equivalent of that “so much room for activities” meme. And Rainey’s apparently been working on this one for a while.
Stay tuned for official pre-order and tracklisting info, but in the mean time, check out an excerpt from the track “Sinter” below: