Lesser Arcana
Long Echo, 2026
9/10
The New York City violist, improviser, and composer Carrie Frey and electronics wizard Alex Van Girls come together for an adventurous 8 songs of improvisation and electroacoustic prowess.
“Five Of Cups Reversed” opens the listen with much warmth, where the buzzing synth and stirring viola radiate tremendous grace before the exploration and cinematic qualities enter, and “Laugh Track” arrives soon after with manipulated strings and vocal gestures of ambience.
Moving along, we’re treated to “Whale Joke”, which uses talking and what nearly seems like field recordings from another dimension, while “Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing” seems like it could soundtrack a sci-fi flick via its screeching and moody tinkering.
“Fortitude & The Eight Of Wands” exits, and it mashes the bright synth stabs with rich viola amid a very distinct tonality of awe and wonder.
This is the first album from the duo and let’s hope it isn’t the last, cause their inimitable talents make for an unpredictable, exciting and memorable version of contemporary classical meets experimental sounds.
Travels well with: David Bird- Hinterlands; Noah Meites- Counting