Mark Fell: Psychic Resynthesis / Nite Closures EP

Mark Fell has dedicated much of his career to crafting intricate works from minuscule fragments of electronic sound. Originating from Sheffield, his music combines shards and slivers into striking, arrhythmic bursts. Created using software like Max/MSP, his compositions follow strict formalist principles, shaped by the interaction of elements within self-contained systems.

Even without fully grasping the mechanics behind his music, one senses complex processes and arcane rules generating rapid, intricate sequences reminiscent of black MIDI. Listening to Mark Fell’s work often evokes experiencing the mathematical sublime.

Despite the intense effects, titles such as Periodic orbits of a dynamic system related to a knot imply a methodical researcher behind the scenes, calm and precise. Fell described his creative approach in an interview with Tone Glow:

“It’s less about the construction of emotion or meaning or storytelling and more about foregrounding the characteristics of the process and technology.”

His latest album, Psychic Resynthesis, represents a significant evolution in his work. It was composed for and performed by Explore Ensemble, a London chamber sextet featuring flute, clarinet, piano, violin, viola, and cello.

Philip Sherburne reviewed the album and EP, highlighting the innovative blend of formal electronic structure and live chamber instrumentation.

This collaboration signals a new direction for Fell, integrating the complexity of digital formalism with the organic dynamics of acoustic instruments.

Author's summary: Mark Fell’s Psychic Resynthesis transforms his digital formalism by merging complex electronic processes with live chamber ensemble performance, marking a bold shift in his artistic approach.

Pitchfork — 2025-11-04

Mark Fell: Psychic Resynthesis / Nite Closures EP

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