Scale Compositions was one of Chihei Hatakeyama’s first credited collaborations as a solo artist, separate from his continuing work in Opitope, in this case working with a fellow prolific Japanese sound artist, Asuna, on two long pieces from sessions done in early 2009. “Crown Scales” is one of the most truly minimal pieces from either, centered around floating tones with the subtlest of changes, while “Folk Scales,” recorded at a live performance, has a lighter, brighter feeling in comparison, retaining a similar focus musically yet more uplifting as well.

– Ned Raggett