Shadow Figures
Bead, 2024
9/10
The trio of Spaces Unfolding (Neil Metcalfe, Philipp Wachsmann and Emil Karlsen) are aligned with Pierre Alexandre Tremblay, who provides electronics for these very distinct and exciting improvised selections.
“Shadow Figures Pt. 1,2” opens with Wachsmann’s strategic violin plucking amid Metcalfe’s dreamy flute for the 20+ minutes of curious and oddly rhythmic gestures that dance around chamber-esque ideas, and “In Praise Of Shadows Pt. 1” follows with ambient noise and electronic manipulation via Tremblay via a very atypical landscape.
In the middle, “Echoes Of Being Pt. 1, 2” buzzes with intrigue alongside Karlsen’s unpredictable and animated drumming in a sci-fi, cinematic sort of way that has much underlying melody, while “In Praise Of Shadows Pt. 2” showcases the flowing flute amid glitchy exploration.
Arriving close to the end, “Reflect/Reflex Pt. 1,2” tinkers with all sorts of atmospheric bouts and wind, drums and string playfulness, and “In Praise Of Shadows Pt. 3” exits with a hint of mystery, where the soft droning builds into a noisy, abrasive yet calculate finish of dizzying song craft.
A truly unique effort that’s armed with unparalleled attention to pitch, tension and avant-garde qualities, in the area of improvisation, this is a stand out record.
Travels well with: Wet Ink Large Ensemble- Missing Scenes; Drew Whiting- All In