Description
There are two overarching organizing patterns in LIP SERVICE: the mechanical processes of firing a missile in parallel to the temporality determined by the criminalization of immigrants and its holding patterns—waiting in indefinite detention, suspense and immobility. The piece isolates and reorganizes selected musical and linguistic elements from the classic anthem "America the Beautiful" in patterns and combinations in which language never fully forms. The anthem is further presented via fractured rhythms rather than being treated lyrically or melodically.