‘Mirrors, Shapes, Objects’ by Michael Columbia
Exclusive album premiere of ‘Mirrors, Shapes, Objects,’ the new album by Michael Columbia, out July 31, 2026, on vinyl and digitally via Cuneiform Records.
Emerging from the stylistic free-for-all of Chicago’s independent music scene in the early 2000s, Michael Columbia has always existed somewhere between established categories. Originally formed as an extension of David McDonnell’s work with the Elephant 6-associated Bablicon, the group developed a language in which free jazz, electronic experimentation, post-rock and progressive composition could coexist without any one element taking control.
‘Mirrors, Shapes, Objects’ brings Michael Columbia back into focus after more than a decade of geographical distance and individual activity. The trio consists of David McDonnell on synthesizers, bass, soprano and alto saxophones and vocals; Christopher Kalis on synthesizers, guitar and bass; and Dylan Ryan on drums, percussion and vocals.
The three musicians previously played together in Icy Demons, but their paths extend much further through Chicago’s experimental, jazz and independent-music communities. McDonnell is a founding member of Herculaneum and began his recording career with Bablicon; Kalis co-founded the hardware-based groups Chandeliers, Songs for Gods and Drasii; and Ryan has worked with artists including Red Krayola, Cursive, Bitchin Bajas, Bill MacKay, Jeff Parker, Patrick Shiroishi and Jeremiah Chiu.
The music on ‘Mirrors, Shapes, Objects’ shifts between saxophone-led passages, interlocking guitar and keyboard figures, motorik rhythms and clearly defined vocal sections. Improvisation remains important, but the pieces are concise and carefully arranged.
Most of the album was recorded in December 2024. Several tracks, including the title piece and ‘The Ghola,’ began during earlier unfinished sessions and were later reworked. The title track originated from a reel-to-reel recording made nearly twenty years ago and was rediscovered by McDonnell on an old hard drive.
‘Mirrors, Shapes, Objects’ brings Michael Columbia together again after more than a decade, reflecting the experience McDonnell, Kalis and Ryan developed during their separate musical paths.
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