Three Days
New Focus, 2023
10/10
An improvisational outfit consisting of Allen Otte (percussion), Erica Dicker (violin) and Paul Schuette (guitar, synth), as Vaster Than Empires the trio birth textured, sometimes intense bursts of experimental ideas.
“Astral Crosswind” opens the listen with the sound of chimes, before distorted guitar and sci-fi fueled percussive sounds enter the busy landscape that has Dicker playing at a high pitch, and “Seaward Galaxy” follows with images of gulls and foghorns, where squealing electronics and bowed strings mesh with glitchy, rhythmic avenues.
On the back half, “Empyrean Tides” matches the abrupt tambourine with manipulated guitar to yield an electronic versus orchestral aberration, and “Upcoast Drift” exits with walls of sound, strategic repetition, blended ambience and distinct gestures that allow each player to showcase their vision in a droning manner.
The trio all have impressive resumes of their own, and their combined talents make Three Days a example of improvised brilliance.
Travels well with: Lee Weisert- Recesses; Olivia De Prato- Panorama