Infinity Avenue
Neuma, 2024
9/10
The inimitable composer Robert Carl manipulates space and tonality here across 2 discs, where plenty of synthetic and organic noisemakers are present for the atypical selections.
“Updraft (2009) For Ten Trombones” begins the 6 pieces, where Matthew Russo’s strategic layering of the brass provides much intrigue, and “Splectar (2023) For Electric Guitar With Max Processing” follows with Matt Sargent’s meticulous guitar tone and Max program design unfolding with mystery and ominousness.
The middle belongs to “Night Garden (2013-14) For Five Contrabasses” and the title track. The former utilizes Robert Black with Large Furniture: Greg Chudzik, Tristan Kasten-Krause, Ken Rescsanksi and Evan Runyo for a rich and dreamy haze, while the latter hosts Carl on laptop and shakuhachi amid Christopher Beroes-Haigis’ stirring cello and Trevor Saint’s well timed glockenspiel for the album’s best.
The record ends with “The Inevitable Wave (B) (2011-12) For Percussion And Fixed Media”, which unfolds across 16 minutes of minimalism via the Crane Percussion Ensemble and SUNY Potsdam, where a subtle rumbling enters a cinematic flavor.
An unconventional, harmonic affair that often employs low tech strategies and manipulated tuning, this is an experience that is as unpredictable as it is fascinating.
Travels well with: Juan J.G. Escudero- Ice Door; Rick Baitz- River Of January