Middle Ground
Other Minds, 2021
8/10
The ultra creative mind of Robert Honstein meets the divine violin playing of Kate Stenberg on this 3 movement EP, where hints of electronics help illuminate the contrasts between the diverse potential of the instrument.
“Too Far” starts the listen with a bare atmosphere that’s shrouded in mystery, as the lone violin is manipulated in ways that don’t sound quite like what you’d expect where subtle electronics add much to the cautious mood.
In the middle, “Too Close” moves at a much quicker pace, and the string acrobatics are so well done, it hardly seems possible by just one musician as pitch and tone are weaved in and out of with careful attention to detail.
“Bridging The Gap” then exits the listen, and borrows from elements of the first two movements, as rhythm and melody are both fleshed out with intimacy and tension, and certainly never in any predictable ways.
The compositions here actually soundtrack a 20 minute film by Four/Ten Media, where the song craft balances subdued introspection along with frenzied moments of controlled chaos. Not so surprisingly, Stenberg continues her strong chamber presence, and absolutely puts an inimitable stamp on the highly innovative project.
Travels well with: 113 Composers & Duo Gelland- Resistance/Resonance; Curtis K. Hughes- Tulpa