Two lengthy pieces (35 and 41 minutes) by Martin, utilizing texts from Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa ('The Book of Disquiet'), and Ordinary Affects, here consisting of Morgan Evans-Weiler (violin), Francesca Caruso (violin), Jordan Dykstra (viola), Laura Cetilia (cello), Martin (acoustic guitar, voice), J.P.A. Falzone (vibraphone) and Luke Damrosch (farfisa organ).

Another significant participant should be mentioned: the ambient sound of the rooms, a very present element, often sounding like bristle brushes running across slightly resonant, metallic surfaces. Additionally, Martin's voice, reading the text in English, is mixed fairly low, almost as if the ensemble is on one side of the room with the listener and Martin on the other side, some distance away. This works very well. The music is largely made up of quiet to medium volume, long-held tones, sometimes several overlapping, sometimes singly, sometimes dropping out entirely, Martin's voice remaining as the sole element. Sometimes, it's simply the sound of the room for an extended period.

The pieces were recorded about a year apart. They're fairly similar in structure and approach, the latter one, 'The Door to the Old Garden Left Ajar', having perhaps a slightly stronger, more aggressive instrumental presence. Both are excellent, thoughtful and absorbing examples of melding text to music, evocative and meditative. Very fine work, recommended for fans of, among others, the Wandelweiser school.