Rare Birds
New Amsterdam, 2025
9/10
An all-star outfit of soloists and current and former players in yMusic, Aizuri Quartet and Kronos Quartet, Owls treat us to 6 very distinct and creative songs.
The 8+ minutes of “When The Night” leads with the cellos blending with warmth alongside Alexi Kenney’s precise violin, and “Ricercar” follows with Ayane Kozasa’s skilled viola that suits the soft melodies and dreaminess.
“Reqs” lands in the middle and is an animated and cinematic meshing of playful string interaction, while “Les Barricades Mystérieuses” allows for Gabriel Cabezas and Paul Wiancko’s cellos to emit much grace and poeticism via the rich album highlight.
The final track, “Good Medicine”, is nearly 13 minutes of firm gestures, gentle ebbs and flowing string interaction that’s heartfelt and timeless.
An eclectic affair that embraces folk and classical ideas, Owls make the most of baroque harmonies, lively rhythm and gentle textures.
Travels well with: Adam Tendler- Inheritances; Charlotte Jacobs- a t l a s