August Light
Neuma, 2024
9/10
The multi-instrumentalist Richard Carr is joined by Cable Burhans, Clarice Jensen and Ben Carr, AKA Carrtoons, for these 12 unusual tracks that pair strings with electronics.
“Standing Stone” starts the listen with thick bass alongside expressive violin, where attention to mood is key, and the title track follows with Carr’s warm keys the suit Jensen’s dense cello amid much elegance.
Moving into the middle, “At a Crossroads” is particularly intimate, as soft keys meet Burhan’s striking viola, while “Work The Space” swirls with a dreaminess that’s nearly meditative in its rich delivery.
Residing close to the end, “Circle Of Mist” is a bare moment with cinematic qualities via the emotive strings, and “Desolation Is A Railway Station” exits with the mesmerizing bass and string manipulation meeting at a very intriguing intersection.
The use of electronics from all the players sure does add even more appeal here, where ambience, ethereal moments and sonically engaging jazz makes each track a new adventure.
Travels well with: Percussia- Plucked & Struck; Bryan Hayslett- Cello Unlocked