No More War It’s Time For Love
Navona, 2021
8/10
Listen to No More War It’s Time For Love
The composer and accordionist Semir Sammy Hasić highlights the battle of Vukovar here, where he simulates the act of war with manipulation of rhythm, timbre, harmonies and dissonance as he brings in a small army of musicians on strings, keys, brass and woodwinds.
“War Rhapsody” starts the listen with the sounds of birds and helicopters as strings, brass and accordion enter a very emotive and cautious beginning that later on bursts with dramatic beauty, and “Waltz For Orphans” follows with playful accordion that you could certainly dance to.
Arriving near the middle, “My Tears” benefits much from Ivan Buic’s dreamy flute as well as Antonio Haller’s well timed percussion, while “Scheherazade 1001 Nights” is an energetic and unpredictable display of orchestral and chamber ideas. “Tornado”, one of the album’s best, then leads with carnival-esque music as the aptly titled track attacks with a flurry of brass, strings and accordion acrobatics.
Further still, “Improvisations For Freedom” glides amid a stylish, rhythmic and dynamic execution that easily makes this the stand out track, and, interestingly enough, “Covid 19” exits the listen on a silent track.
Despite the tough subject matter present, there’s certainly much melody to be found across the listen, as Hasić calls for countries to put an end to the all too prevalent racism and violence that exists today. Let’s hope that his art can help inch us towards a world of love, empathy and hope, cause we need it now more than ever.
Travels well with: Carl Vollrath- Transit Voices; Various Artists- Lock & Key Vol. II