Giga Concerto
New Focus, 2021
9/10
The acclaimed composer Eric Lyon is aligned with the violin duo String Noise, i.e. Pauline Kim Harris and Conrad Harris, as well as Deerhoof drummer Greg Saunier and the International Contemporary Ensemble for this very imaginative interpretation of four of Brahms’ op. 105 songs for violin duo and drumset and Lyon’s Giga Concerto.
“Giga Concerto I” starts the listen with dancing strings, firm percussion and an overall quivering, exciting landscape of adventurous, baroque sounds, and “Wie Melodien Zieht Es Mir” follows with a quick blast of imaginative indie-rock meet orchestral ideas that are both chaotic and cautious.
Closer to the middle, “Giga Concerto III” presents a tense display of powerful, even ominous musicianship that flows with a cinematic appeal, while “KLAGE” makes great use of creative textures, precise violin and marching band style drumming. “Giga Concerto IV”, one of the album’s best, then leads calm and meditative before bursting into avant-garde, energetic dynamics that manipulates tone and pitch flawlessly.
Residing near the end, “VERRAT”, one of the busiest tracks, pairs Saunier’s inimitable drumming with String Noise’s fascinating violin work in a fury of alternative, classical song craft, and “Giga Concerto VI” exits the listen with dizzying string acrobatics that unfold in an almost sci-fi sort of way amid unpredictable songwriting.
You’re not going to hear anything quite like this anywhere else, as Lyon’s highly imaginative vision and String Noise’s unmistakable talent shines in this post-minimalist, collage driven and atypically rhythmic effort that is a source of constant surprises amid unclassifiable sounds you can’t help but be enamored with.
Travels well with: Douglas Boyce- The Hunt By Night; DUO Stephanie & Saar- Cavatine