Delay Tactics

Elements Of Surprise

Multiple Phase, 2022

8/10

Listen to Elements Of Surprise

On their 3rd album and first in 38 years, Delay Tactics, i.e. Walter Whitney (synth, electric guitar, manipulated sounds, fizzy guitar, drums, piano), David Udell (electric/lead guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, keyboards synth, cut and paste), Carl Weingarten (acoustic, electric guitars, slide guitar, loops, delays) and Michael Manning (fretless bass) make for a very unique techno-pop listen.

“Viola’s Ascent” starts the listen with warm synth, soothing electric guitar and much ambience in the dreamy landscape, and “Kalimba Lounge” follows with agile drumming and a haze of Americana that unfolds with a cozy spirit.

In the middle, “Don’t Wake The Pharaoh” gets a bit funky alongside some adventurous jazz-rock, while “Ever Unwinding” recruits a mysterious, cinematic quality that’s a bit sci-fi in its pop friendly moments that benefits from meticulous guitar and firm keys.

The final two tracks, “Acoustic Reprise” and “Three Voices” are among the best, where the former uses acoustic guitar strategically amid some folk influences, and the latter exits awash in a meditative, instrumental and stirring presence.

A listen that successfully blends jazz, rock, prog, techno and nods to Brian Eno’s work, this is a triumphant comeback for Delay Tactics, and let’s hope it’s not several decades before they return.

Travels well with: Carl Weingarten- Stop Me Try; Carl Weingarten- Ember Days

Pablo Lanouguere Quintet

Altar

Piano Piano, 2022

8/10

Listen to Altar

The bassist and composer Pablo Lanouguere pens a very memorable batch of world fusion tracks here, where modern jazz, his Argentinian roots and tango and folklore are fleshed out with some esteemed help.

The title track starts the listen with Lanouguere’s playfully plucked bass, as Meg Okura’s firm violin and Franco Pinna’s well timed drums enter the adventurous climate, and “Tigran De La Pampa” follows with much cultured energy that showcases Emilio Teubal’s frisky piano and Federico Diaz’s warm guitar.

Halfway through, “Desalma” features Juana Luna on vocals for the melodic and expressive album highlight, while “Un Lento Para Bailar” recruits Horacio Romo on bandoneon for the stirring strings and technical bass playing.

Close to the end, “Nada Más” brings Luna back for the bright and meticulous textures, and “Un Bondi A Ningun Lado” exits with a bass solo piece that shimmers with a radiant beauty.

This is Lanouguere’s 2nd album with his quintet, and the outfit’s meshing of tango, folk, jazz and Argentinian sounds makes for a rich, groove friendly and dynamic version of World Fusion.

Travels well with: Marco Pignataro- Chant For Our Planet; Evan Drybread- Tiger Tail

Greg Hatza And Enayet Hossain

Talking Hands

Aimrec, 2022

8/10

Listen to Talking Hands

The exceptional musicians Greg Hatza (keyboards) and Enayet Hossain (tabla) bring their inimitable skills to this world music meets jazz fusion listen that’s never short on melody, chemistry and very meticulous interaction between the pair.

The title track opens the listen with Hossain’s lively tabla acrobatics amid Hatza’s firm and melodic keys for the very unique jazz fusion climate, and “Crazy Calcutta Streets” follows with a glowing cinematic appeal, where Hatza’s buzzing prowess is met with rhythmic tabla playing.

The middle tracks don’t disappoint either, where the swift tabla playing of “Dark Matter” almost seems mechanical in its precision, while “Midnight Mood” spends 8 minutes mesmerizing us with its grooves and frisky soulfulness that’s just so stylish.

“The Conversation” and “Dialogue” exit the listen, where the former manipulates tone and mood with much attention to detail in a hypnotic fashion, and the latter brings us 10 minutes of careful exploration, as both artists showcase their respective strengths in a Western meets Eastern dynamic that’s quite exciting.

Hatza and Hossain are both members of the esteemed outfit Melodic Intersect, and they bring that experience to this cross-cultural experience that few other could replicate, and that resonates with a global warmth that’s very appreciated in these divided times.

Travels well with: Shujaat Khan/Katayoun Goudarzi- This Pale; Wesli- Rapadou Kreyol

Putumayo Presents

Feels Like Home: Linda Ronstadt’s Musical Journey

Putumayo, 2022

10/10

Listen to Feels Like Home: Linda Ronstadt’s Musical Journey

The musical companion to Linda Ronstadt’s new book, Feels Like Home: A Song For The Sonoran Borderlands, the 10 tunes here were influential during Ronstadt’s childhood and career, and also includes her interpretations of classic Mexican songs.

Ry Cooder and the legendary Chicano artist Lalo Guerrero start the listen with the heartfelt and poetic “Barrio Viejo”, and the trio presence of “El Sueno” follows with Ronstadt’s brothers, Peter and Mike, joining her for the glowing vocal harmonies and pair of acoustic guitars.

“Across The Border”, which pairs Ronstadt with Emmylou Harris, lands in the middle and features Neil Young on harmonica for the timeless love song, while Jackson Brown and Los Cenzontles come together for the English and Spanish sung “The Dreamer”, which helps make the Mexican folk song the album stand out.

Approaching the end, Ronstadt is accompanied by Dolly Parton for the powerful and somber Appalachian folk song “I Never Will Marry”, and “Voy Caminando”, performed by Los Cenzontles and featuring David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) on violin and Taj Mahal on banjo, exits the listen with no lack of rhythm in the radiant and cultured finish.

A truly exceptional collection of music, the diversity present does a great job of illustrating how Ronstadt become the icon she is, and the album download card and very thorough liner notes only enhance this stirring and enlightening listening experience.

Travels well with: Putumayo Presents: Afro-Cubano; Putumayo Presents World Chill

The John-Pauls

Bon Mots

Aagoo, 2022

9/10

Listen to Bon Mots

A Texas outfit with the attitude of New Yorkers, The John-Pauls use 3 guitars no bass for these inimitable alt-rock tunes that are as likely to remind you of Thurston Moore as they are Patsy Cline or Lou Reed.

“Bon Mots” starts the listen with a sunny, crisp version of ‘90s indie-rock that’s melodic in a lo-fi sort of way, and “Same Dweller, Different Cave” follows with a scrappy version of proto-punk that’s quite energetic.

In the middle, “OOO” is on the calmer, almost sad side, with its pretty singing and post-disco nods, while “Denver Rainbow” flirts with both country and folk amid the buzzing guitars and eloquent singing.

The final tracks don’t disappoint, either, where “No Names” is a bit jangly in a jam band sort of way, and “Forgetness” embraces folk influences into its brief, blurry finish.

Elizabeth (drums), Mikila (vocals, keys, drums), Philip (guitar, vocals), Mark (guitar), and Matthew (guitar) are The John-Pauls, and they bring much experience and talent from their many years in the Austin underground rock scene to these memorable and gritty tunes that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Modern Stars- Psychindustrial; Daydream Three- The Lazy Revolution

Bttrfly Quintet

Coast

Mocean, 2022

8/10

Listen to Coast

A Denver outfit of all stars in the area of funk, jazz, soul and electronic sounds, Bttrfly Quintet, i.e. Eric Bloom (trumpet), Borahm Lee (keyboards), Adam Deitch (drums), Hunter Roberts (bass), and Dominic Lalli (saxophone) make the most out of these 10 exciting tracks.

“Marauders” starts the listen with warm drums and soulful sax, as playful bass enters the cozy jazz climate, and “Upperhand” follows with acrobatic drumming amid the bright brass, where an unpredictable and melodic delivery is appreciated.

In the middle, “Tijuca” is textured with a dynamic precision that allows each member’s strengths to shine bright in the busy delivery, while “Flume” flows with plenty of free jazz nods in its spirited and mesmerizing demeanor.

“Moon Strut” and “Scribbled Paper” exit the listen, where the former benefits much from the precise rhythm section and both cautiousness and adventurousness are present in spades, and the latter pays much attention to mood that’s quite apparent in the strategic interaction between the quintet.

The members of Bttrfly Quintet have spent time playing in Big Gigantic, Break Science and Lettuce, and they bring that experience and expertise to these rich, groove friendly and ‘70s flavored tunes that make an excellent debut.

Travels well with: Lettuce- Crush; Eric Krasno- Always

Major Parkinson

Valesa

Apollon, 2022

9/10

Listen to Valesa

The 7 piece Major Parkinson return with unique brand of progressive synth-rock, where more pop influences are present across the 17 tracks.

“Goodbye Blue Monday” opens the listen with an atmospheric landscape of background noises, and “Behind The Next Door” segues into deep vocals from Jon Ivar Kollbotn to complement Lars Christian Bjørknes’ mysterious synth and piano, as well as Sondre Veland’s thumping drums.

Deeper into the listen, “Sadlands” pairs Kollbotn’s expressive vocals and piano with Bjarne Tresnes Sørensen’s harmonica in the emotive landscape, while “Jonah”, the album’s best, brings violin, cello, sax, guitars and several voices to the soaring and precisely textured prog-rock perfection.

Further yet, “Posh-Apocalypse” finds itself in quirky, ‘80s territory with its bright and playful synth fueled climate, and “Heroes” exits with Peri Winkle’s pretty pipes alongside Kollbotn’s cryptic storytelling, as synth and piano guide the mesmerizing finish.

A listen that might bring to mind bands like Arcade Fire or Cardiacs, Major Parkinson cover alt-rock, pop, prog, and a very advanced version of chamber sounds across this fascinating and really memorable adventure.

Travels well with: Pogo Pops- Daylight; Frank Hammersland- Atlantis

Friendship

Alchemist Of Your Destiny

Apollon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Alchemist Of Your Destiny

Although a full band in the past, these days Friendship is Fredrik Skalstad, who explores the many facets of rock music with these diverse and charged 12 tracks.

“Memories” opens the listen with very soulful and powerful singing that’s quite brief, and “Seize Your Life” follows with bright melodies and punchy drumming that complements the radiant vocals.

Half way through, “Love Story” brings a frisky buzzing amid a thumping template that touches on prog-rock, while “In The Now” gets quite dense, as soaring vocals enter the hard rock chugging.

Deeper yet, “Last Goodbye” is full of rugged yet tuneful rock that’s nostalgic, anthemic and gritty in the best ways, and “The Light” exits with bare balladry, where poetic singing and an acoustic foundation make for a stirring finish.

A listen that sounds right at home in the ‘80s with its glowing glam rock nods, as well as the ‘90s as it embraces grungy moments, Friendship doesn’t stay in one place for very long, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: Honeyvein- Honeyvein; Kryptograf- The El Dorado Spell

Honeyvein

Honeyvein

Apollon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Honeyvein

The recording moniker of Bastian Veland (Dobbeltgjenger, Ossicles), the eclectic artist brings influences from pop, rock and electronica to these artistic and stylish 12 tracks.

“Traditions Abandoned” starts the listen with plenty of beat friendly electronica and warm buzzing amid the darker textures, and “The Pulp” follows with a firm, driving electro-pop energy that uses frisky drums, spirited guitar and plenty of synth acrobatics for the dance floor ready fun.

In the middle, the more rock focused “Superplastic” benefits from Sondre Veland’s strong drumming in the riff heavy, stadium sized demeanor, while “Dust” thumps with an anthemic and booming version of prog meet dance-rock.

Further yet, Lydia Haugan Helland contributes very pretty vocals to the lighter nature of the charming “Negativity”, and “Forever And A Day” exits with additional vocals from Vegard Wikne, as a soulful quality meets the thick buzzing of the album’s best selection.

A truly DIY effort, Veland handles all songwriting, production and recording himself, with minimal guest spots to accent his vision. A very creative listen, if bands like Nine Inch Nails or Tame Impala are of interest to you, Honeyvein should certainly be on your radar.

Travels well with: Kryptograf- The El Dorado Spell; Major Parkinson- A Night At The Library

Marie-Eve Munger

Maestrino Mozart

ATMA Classique, 2022

8/10

Listen to Maestrino Mozart

The luminous soprano Marie-Eve Munger brings us a project that assembles Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s rarely-heard arias composed between the ages of 10-16, where the Les Boréades de Montréal, led by Philippe Bourque, is on hand for the occasion.

“Il Sogno di Scipione, K. 126” starts the listen with very bright and expressive singing alongside the swift strings, and “La finta semplice, K. 51” follows with both animated and calm gestures, as the agile vocals complement the diverse musicianship.

Further on, “La finta semplice, K. 51” has Munger hitting some very high notes in the quick and dynamic delivery, while “Mitridate, rè di Ponto, K. 87” emits a soaring and highly technical, even dramatic appeal, in its meticulous demeanor.

Near to the end, “Ascanio in Alba, K. 111” pairs both intimacy and exploration with highly memorable results, and “Lucio Silla, K. 135” exits the listen with the profound attention to detail that Mozart employed his entire career.

These works are often powerful and tense, and Munger certainly does justice to the early pieces, which only adds to her impressive resume that has gained her global admiration for her adaptable voice.

Travels well with: Apollo Chamber Players- MoonStrike; Josh Modney- Near To Each

Mark Abel

Spectrum

Delos, 2022

8/10

Listen to Spectrum

The esteemed composer Mark Abel brings us two discs of songs that spotlight the inimitable talents of the vocalists Hila Plitmann, Isabel Bayrakdarian and Kindra Scharich, and also features the pianist Dominic Cheli, the Pacific Symphony concertmaster Dennis Kim, the Alexander String Quartet violist David Samuel, plus cellist Jonah Kim, horn player Jeff Garza, flutist Christy Kim and pianists Sean Kennard and Jeffrey LaDeur.

“Trois Femmes Du Cinema” opens the listen with 3 chapters, where Bayrakdarian’s gorgeous, soaring soprano is surrounded by the firm, agile keys of Carol Rosenberger, as Abel provides texts about the cult figures Anne Wiazemsky, Pina Pellicer and Larisa Shepitko.

“Two Scenes From ‘The Book Of Esther’” follows, and recruits stirring strings and Plitmann’s soprano and Scharich’s mezzo-soprano for the sometimes busy setting that’s both tense and pretty amid the precise winds.

Deeper into the listen, the cautious strings and warm keys of “Reconciliation Day” gets quite animated, while “Out The Other Side” flows with a very introspective appeal, where the instrumentation is often emotive, sometimes lively and even a bit darker on occasion.

The final piece, “1966”, might be the best, and emits so much profound elegance from both the expressive singing and dynamic musicianship that radiates timelessness in its heartfelt execution.

A stunning body of work, Abel further solidifies himself as a prominent figure in the area of contemporary music with this well crafted chamber listen.

Travels well with: Wenting Kang- Mosaic; Orli Shaham- Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 & 3

Hannah Shira Naiman

The Wheels Won’t Go

Rosietta, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Wheels Won’t Go

The Canadian singer-songwriter Hannah Shira Naiman returns with a 3rd album, where an extremely retro flavor is delivered thanks to her voice, hambone, fiddle, banjo and gourd banjo, as well as plenty of help from an all star cast of musicians.

“The Grouse” starts the listen with a nostalgic, bluegrass friendly demeanor that benefits from Brian Kobayakawa’s strategic bass and Olivia Esther’s well timed French horn, and the title track follows with Ken Whiteley’s warm electric guitar complementing Naiman’s mesmerizing hambone in the rhythmic landscape.

Residing in the middle, “Caroline Collins” showcases Nathan Smith and Naiman’s stirring fiddle in the intimate climate, while “Winter” recruits William Carn’s soulful trombone and Abigail Lapell’s soothing harmony vocals for the absorbing album highlight.

Further down the line, “Vinegar Pie” place Arnie Naiman on acoustic guitar alongside Naiman’s poetic vocals in the folk influenced display, and “Hartman’s Delight” exits the listen with Gary Craig’s agile drumming amid brass and guitar for the sublime instrumental finish.

Naiman faced many challenges when recording this body of work, including becoming a mother, relocating, a death in the family and the pandemic, but you certainly wouldn’t know it from the amount of beauty and melody present across tunes that seem like they could have been penned anytime in the last century.

Travels well with: Karen Jonas- Summer Songs; Mary Bragg- Violets As Camouflage

The Harry Bartlett Trio

Wildwood

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Wildwood

Harry Bartlett (guitars), Caleb Klager (bass, modular synth) and Harry Vetro (drums) come together for this exciting jazz listen that meshes folk and Western ideas into the improvised landscape.

“Burgess Falls” opens the listen with much warmth, where dreamy guitar and light drums flow with a meditative quality, and “Circle Of Moss And Fire Smoke” follows with a calm intimacy that swirls with a stirring, emotive appeal.

Further along, “The Incident At Blood Bay” uses the bass strategically amid the more firm drumming bouts, while “Sailing Over Troubled Waters” is a brief blast of thicker guitars and dense drumming in its brief exploration.

Arriving near the end, “Queen Of Surrey” burns cautiously with a reserved but dynamic interaction between the trio, and “Lachesism” recruits some post-rock nods into the agile and shimmering finish.

An album rooted in jazz, there’s much creativity and skill present that will appeal to fans of the lighter side of indie-rock, too, as Bartlett and company mesmerize us through the very meticulous record.

Travels well with: Chet Doxas- Rich In Symbolism II; Chris Mondak- Glass Spheres

Raph Clarkson's Dissolute Society

This Is How We Grow

Migu, 2022

8/10

Listen to This Is How We Grow

The trombonist, improviser, composer and educator Raph Clarkson returns with a small army of musicians for these 10 tracks that surround European jazz, 20th century classical music, poetry, spoken word, song, and plenty of grooves.

“With The Power Of My Voice” starts the listen with much atmosphere, as bright brass and frisky drums help cultivate a very lively climate that welcomes children’s voices, and “I Sing With The Earth” follows with a choral energy that’s full of bright melodies.

Halfway through, the playful horns and soaring voices make for a youthful and charming album highlight, while “Sophie” recruits stirring piano and a very intimate spirit to Fini Bearman’s stunning pipes, and, later on, the dreamy brass.

Close to the end, “Itself And One” recruits call and response singing amid Mark Lockhearts sax prowess and John Parricelli’s fluid guitar, and “This Is How We Grow” exits with keys, strings, brass and young voices making for an animated and upbeat finish.

A listen that brings in countless diverse influences, there’s a very heartfelt demeanor to these unique modern jazz tracks and the large amount of children singing across the record, (Gillespie Primary School, London; Camden New Voices; Durston Court School, Dorset; Prospect House School, Putney) makes for a very distinct and memorable project.

Travels well with: Estraven- Ignored Advice; Hannah Horton- Inside Out

Ollee Owens

Through The Darkest Night

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Through The Darkest Night

A Canadian artist who is armed with a bluesy and soulful voice, Ollee Owens delivers an impressive debut here, where some esteemed players help her flesh out these personal songs.

Owens places “Through The Darkest Night” in the lead off position, where her stirring and soulful pipes are complemented by distorted guitar in the warm balladry, and “Raging Fire” follows with much atmosphere, as the setting builds into a powerful, cautious rocker.

Elsewhere, the retro nods of “Edge Of Goodbye” allow for Owens’ expressive singing to shine alongside the firm rhythm section, while the soothing “One Day” benefits from sublime organ amid hushed beauty.

Near to the end, the bright brass of “Truth Lies” complements the busy yet meticulous delivery, and “Hit Or Miss” exits with plenty of grooves present, where the full horn section adds much to the dynamic closer.

An extremely graceful and passionate first album, Owens takes inspiration from legends like Mavis Staples, Bob Dylan and The Band, and along with Chris Rodriguez (guitar), Mike Kyle (keys, organ), Bobby Blazier (drums), Mark Hill (bass), Matt Pierson (bass), Vinnie Ciesielski (horns), and Tyler Summers (horns), she pens a truly exceptional listen.

Travels well with: Derek Hoke- Electric Mountain; Rebecca Pidgeon- Parts Of Speech Pieces Of Sound

Charlie Risso

The Light

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Light

An Italian pop songstress who also flirts with dreamy, alt-rock moments, Charlie Risso brings much sincerity and intimacy to these 4 songs.

“The Light” opens the listen with a warm, dream-rock presence, as Risso’s pretty voice soars high amid the soothing electronica, and “S.I.N” follows with more emphasis on drum sounds, where a surreal landscape of much beauty unfolds with both playfulness and cautiousness.

“Into The Forest” and “Landed On Speed” exit the listen, where the former is poetic, lush and full of shoegaze friendly nods, and the latter is the most textured selection, which fades out in a haze of blurry pop gestures that are as mesmerizing as they are interesting.

An ideal way to test the waters of this enormous talent, Risso blends electronica, pop, indie-rock and dream-gaze with much precision across the impressive 4 songs.

Travels well with: Izzy And The Black Trees- Revolution Comes In Waves; Benjamin Shoos- Doubt In My Heart

Dan Kurfirst

Arkinetics

Neuma, 2022

8/10

Listen to Arkinetics

On this debut album, the drummer and composer Dan Kurfirst blends both complex and simple ideas into the rhythmic 9 tracks that welcomes Daniel Carter (trumpet, woodwinds), Alexis Marcelo (Fender Rhodes, piano), Damon Banks (electric bass) and Roshni Samlal (tabla).

“Peace In” opens the listen with warm beats, radiant keys and sound bites entering a very stylish and rhythmic climate, and “Birth Beats 2” follows with playful bass lines, quick drumming and a glowing, soulful quality that embraces light brass, too, as the setting enters free jazz territory.

In the middle, “Ghost Killers” find plenty of grooves to reside in, where the acrobatic keys, frisky drumming and bouncy bass make this one of the album’s best, while “Dreamscape” burns slower, with an indeed dreamy demeanor with its strong attention to detail and shimmering textures.

“Not Yet” and “Peace Out” exit the listen, where the former emits a mesmerizing tone and dynamic interaction, and the latter finishes much like how it started, i.e. smooth, melodic and full of timeless jazz tendencies.

An artist who has been widening his musical scope as he ages, Arkinetics is worldly, fusion friendly and pays unparalleled to the rhythm section as Kurfirst and company make for a very compelling first record.

Travels well with: Timothy McAllister & Liz Ames- Project Encore, Vol. 1; Lawson & Merrill- Signals

Tyto

Mirai

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Mirai

TYTO is the recording alias of the Italian multi-instrumentalist Beppe Scardino, who brings so many instruments- organic and synthetic- to these oddly exciting 7 tracks that no one could accurately classify.

“Intoru” opens the listen with robotic like talking, before warm beats find a groove friendly place to reside in the atypical electronica, and “Jerks” follows with Adele Altro’s voice entering the frisky and busy climate that segues abruptly into calm, haunting areas.

In the middle, “Excessive Empathy” enters sci-fi like territory with its thumping electronics and dense atmosphere that uses processed vocals strategically, while “Mannequin” brings in Glauco Benedetti’s sousaphone, fake trumpet and trombone, as well as Francesco Bigoni’s clarinet and vocals for the energetic and upbeat version of unorthodox jazz.

The final track, “Underachiever”, buzzes with a late night, dance floor appeal that’s immediately memorable and the album’s best.

A listen that thematically surrounds topics as wide as owls, dreams, and Japan, TYTO is also a member of C’mon Tigre, Dinamitri Jazz Folklore and L’Orchestrino, and here he makes every song weird, unpredictable and acutely fascinating.

Travels well with: Orbel- Lur Hezea; Kabuki Dream- Abstract

Nicole Zuraitis/Thana Alexa/Julia Adamy

Sonica

Outside In Music, 2022

8/10

Listen to Sonica

An exceptional trio of the singers and musicians Thana Alexa (vocals, percussion, keyboards, production), Nicole Zuraitis (vocals, keyboards), and Julia Adamy (vocals, bass, synth bass), the 7 songs here also welcome a few guests for the powerful and diverse debut.

“Doyenne” starts the listen with much atmosphere, as spoken word enters a dreamy climate and “Where Ya Gonna Go” follows with drums from Ross Pederson alongside the soulful singing and rhythmic landscape.

In the middle, “Come A Long Way” benefits much from Dan Pugach’s drumming amid the soaring vocals, while “Loves In Need Of Love Today” is quite romantic, stirring even, in its intimacy that displays sublime vocal harmonies. The final track, “Danny Boy”, has the trio putting on a stunning vocal performance in the bare but very impactful finish.

A project that began during the pandemic and was built on the artist’s previous collaborations, this documentation of their time together makes for a pop, soul, and folk friendly experience that gets better with each subsequent listen.

Travels well with: Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts; Tony Glausi- Everything At Once

Trentemøller

Obverse

hfn, 2019

8/10

Listen to Obverse

The esteemed Danish multi-instrumentalist Trentemoller returns with his 5th album of electronic prowess, where each tune flows into another as he wrote, recorded and mixed the entire affair.

“Cold Comfort” starts the listen with 8+ minutes of sonically engaging, busy and dense instrumentation along with soaring vocal work, and “Church Of Trees” follows with fuzzy, restrained sounds and manipulated synth.

Further along, “Foggy Figures” keeps the setting calm and mysterious with plenty of playful sounds, while “Trnt” unfolds with a highly artistic approach to its strategic ideas.

Late in the listen, “Sleeper”, one of the album’s best, takes a cathartic approach with a chilling atmosphere and dreamy moments that bring in vocals, and “Giants” exits the affair with a minimalist approach that’s as intricate as it is deliberate.

Often a beautiful display of massive skill, there’s also abrasive moments of controlled chaos as Trentemoller manipulates his art meticulously around dream-pop, synth-rock and cinematic sprawls of intrigue on this compelling collection.

Travels well with: Steve Bug- Noir; Kasper Bjorke- After Forever