Transpositions
Unsettled Scores, 2024
8/10
An instrumental affair that highlights the vision of Spy Dénommé-Welch and Catherine Magowan, the 8 tracks here represent a very distinct version of contemporary classical sounds.
“Scan/Machine” starts the listen with Justin McLean’s glowing tuba alongside Christine Cheongyeong Bae’s unpredictable piano, and “Boiling Frog” follows with animated keys and McLean’s lively brass that makes for a cinematic climate.
In the middle, the swift keys and dancing strings of Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk’s viola are quite exciting, while “False Fugue: When All is Felled” is an expressive and atypical album highlight that carries a hint of mystery.
Close to the end, “Aftershocks” carries a rare intimacy in between the animated bouts of keys, and “Acclimation” exits with meticulous piano, fluid strings and low brass working together strategically.
Another intriguing release from Unsettled Scores, the chamber, classical, orchestral and modern appeal is executed with tremendous dynamics and a very highly artistic presence.
Travels well with: Tim Brady- Imagine Many Guitars; Stefan Smulovitz- Bow & Brush