“Bloom” is a composition for percussion, double bass, and live electronics. It is meant to capture the mysterious beauty of an algal bloom, swirling colors and textures which provoke a mixture of awe and disgust. From a distance they look almost like a nebula, or a palette of watercolor paints spilled together. Up close, however, one notices the clumps of algae, seaweed, sediment, and creatures, alive and dead. As the blooms flow between dense ecosystems of algae and clear waters, “Bloom” operates on patterns which arise, disappear, and morph unmetered and flowing freely. The clear chords of the marimba and frequent dissonances of the bass mimic the visceral, curious beauty of an algal bloom. Performed by Waveform Collective, Quincy Doenges and Maxwell Winningham.