Always Ever
Self-Released, 2026
8/10
The Australian composer and pianist Alister Spence explores the many avenues of the piano with this sophomore album, where 16 improvised pieces make an impression.
“Mystic” opens the listen with ambience that’s percussively mysterious in a minimal climate, and “Determination” follows with flowing keys that are meticulous and mesmerizing.
Further along, “Rain Phase” manipulates the piano in fascinating, atypical ways, while “Tonal Dance” is indeed energetic, as the keys find a lower register to reside in via the unpredictable and exciting finger acrobatics.
Much later, “Random Access Counterpoint” explores the range of keys thanks to an iconoclastic vision that’s spontaneous, and “Scrape Rattle Strike” exits with a ‘found objects’ appeal alongside the rhythmic keys.
A creative effort that focuses on contrast, melody and texture, Spence’s unconventional vision makes for each track carrying its own distinct intrigue.
Travels well with: Caleb Wheeler Curtis- Ritual; Simon Hanes- Gargantua