Resonance Unbound
Neuma, 2024
9/10
The artist, technologist, and educator Elisabet Curbelo makes an impression with this debut album, where both minimal and full climates unfold with plenty of detail.
“Canarian Bayram” starts the listen with the University of Utah Ensemble’s light keys and stirring strings, as soft winds enter the articulate climate, and “Fantasia Flamenca” follows with Beatriz López Salinas’ flamenco footwork adding much to the adventurous and stylish delivery.
In the middle, “Kara Toprak” benefits much from Curbelo’s expressive voice amid Sanaz Nakhjavani’s detailed kanun, where the strings contribute to the cinematic qualities, while “Mikrop” spotlights Ulrich Mertin’s meticulous viola via the haunting ambience.
The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint either. “Epulos” displays Tommy Babin’s skilled prepared double bass for 11+ minutes of exploration, and “L’anello” allows for the RENGA Ensemble and Steven Schnick’s conducting and percussion to emit quivering moments, found object-ish percussion and a rare eloquence.
A highly innovative peek at Curbelo’s nomadic life, there’s Flamenco, Turkish and Canarian ideas mixed into the electroacoustic techniques for a unique, experimental journey.
Travels well with: Cobus Du Toit- From The Rooftop; Richard Carr- August Light