When operating as Tsunxmi, Ava Stedman uses every element of the electronic palette. That's not an understatement. Some of these pieces are fairly traditional songs, with exceptionally calibrated melodies and textured backgrounds. And some are sonic collages that are meant to excite a variety of brain centers.

Tsunxmi Broken on Reflection (Give/Take)

And often enough, those are right next to each other.

Listening to a Tsunxmi release in proper sequence can be jarring and disorienting--and that's just for openers. Mental gears are ground to a pulp, and eyes just might start popping (the ears blew out much earlier). Most artists try to avoid exciting this sort of mental meltdown in listeners, but Tsunxmi isn't a project for the masses. It is a very singular (and wide-ranging) affair.

More introspective than the last effort I reviewed, but probably more challenging as well. The titles make it clear that this album is a meditation on transitioning, and as such it is all about process rather than conclusion.

Steadman doesn't give answers. Rather, these pieces illustrate the inner workings of one mind in turmoil. There is a hint of resolution in the final (title) track, but just a hint. I don't know who is pushing the boundaries of experimental electronic music as much as Tsunxmi, and each successive release I hear confirms that more and more. A wondrous exhibition of thought and emotion.

Jon Worley