Warp Trio’s Pandemic Disco Fantasy
People/Places, 2021
10/10
Listen to Warp Trio’s Pandemic Disco
A New York City outfit with a penchant for chamber, orchestral and classical moments in their very eclectic version of indie-rock, Mikael Darmanie (piano, keyboards), Josh Henderson (violin, electric bass, guitar), J.Y. Lee (cello) and Rick Martinez (drums, synth), i.e. Warp Trio, don’t squander a moment across 6 tracks of energetic and adventurous tracks that welcome plenty of guest vocalists.
“Captivity” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with its dreamy strings that flow into punchy drumming and playful guitar work, effectively bridging classical ideas with modern indie-rock, and “Welcome To The Pandemic Disco” follow with hip-hop influences amid a firm beat as Likwuid and Mirah contribute their inimitable vocals to the busy, dynamic landscape.
Halfway through, “The Well” recruits Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez in a poetic and lush display of graceful piano, strategic drums and Gonzalez’s expressive singing, while “Snake Eyes Run Dry” buzzes with a more firm approach, where Daniel Henri Emond’s inimitable contributions make for a diverse version of chamber rock.
“Dragon Dance” lands near the end and offers a dizzying display of elegant strings, frisky drumming and acrobatics keys, and “Release” exits the listen with Claire Wellin’s stunning pipes guiding the precisely textured and meticulously executed finish.
Like many artists, Warp Trio were unable to tour during the pandemic, and instead focused their efforts on this album. Certainly a complicated affair that would be very difficult to replicate live, the concept album explores current social/political issues, and offers a sense of optimism of pulling through it all and being stronger and wiser on the other side. Musically, it’s all over the place, radiating incredible skill and musicianship, and just might be the most interesting record of the year.
Travels well with: Wolff Parkinson White- Favours; The Mystery Plan- You Also Have Eyes