Palm Sweat: Marc Ducret Plays The Music Of Tim Berne
Screwgun/OOYH, 2023
9/10
Listen to Palm Sweat: Marc Ducret Plays The Music Of Tim Berne
A highly creative project that began when Tim Berne dropped off some raw, unrecorded pieces that the guitarist Marc Ducret ran through his inimitable vision, Palm Sweat has him playing many instruments, and not all of them have strings.
“Curls / Palm Sweat / Mirth of the Cool” starts the listen with dense guitar that makes it seem like the listen may segue into crunchy, stoner-rock territory, as well timed, firm drums enter, and “Rolled Oats 2” follows with strategic guitar picking that unfolds with mystery and a mesmerizing spirit.
Further along, the hypnotic buzzing of “Shiteless 1” carries a cinematic, sci-fi presence that recruits some ambient noise, while “Stutter Step” emits an almost mechanical droning that’s spread out over 10 minutes that eventually welcomes Fabrice Martinez’s soulful trumpet.
Near to the end, the multifaceted “Static” showcases Bruno Ducret’s skilled cello amid the guitar acrobatics and percussive bouts, and the brief “About This Recording” exits the listen with Ducret’s distinct and exciting guitar playing front and center.
In addition to those listed above, Sylvaine Hélary plays alto flute and Chrstiane Bopp handles trombone, and collectively there is much manipulation with pitch and distortion present, where the retrograde melodies alongside the colorful and textured dynamics make for a very original and fascinating listen.
Travels well with: Mali Obomsawin- Sweet Tooth; Curt Sydnor- Deep End Shallow