Category Archives: Modern Composition
Inscape ~ American Aggregate
As the often misquoted William Congreve writes, “music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rock, or bend a knotted oak.” The music of the Inscape collective possesses such charms. The American heart has been bruised, hardened and knotted in
Inscape ~ American Aggregate
As the often misquoted William Congreve writes, “music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rock, or bend a knotted oak.” The music of the Inscape collective possesses such charms. The American heart has been bruised, hardened and knotted in
Death Blues ~ Ensemble
We all wear masks. Some are masks of calm, meant to hide unrest. Some are forced smiles, meant to disguise resentment. We put on happy faces for the kids. We charge forward in battle, pretending to be brave. We apply
Death Blues ~ Ensemble
We all wear masks. Some are masks of calm, meant to hide unrest. Some are forced smiles, meant to disguise resentment. We put on happy faces for the kids. We charge forward in battle, pretending to be brave. We apply
Rain Drinkers ~ Wood Violet
The music of Wisconsin duo Rain Drinkers is intelligent and complex, difficult to categorize but easy to enjoy. A single track can range from pastoral ambience to cumulus drone to small orchestra. This is especially true on Wood Violet‘s 20-minute title track. Drum
Rain Drinkers ~ Wood Violet
The music of Wisconsin duo Rain Drinkers is intelligent and complex, difficult to categorize but easy to enjoy. A single track can range from pastoral ambience to cumulus drone to small orchestra. This is especially true on Wood Violet‘s 20-minute title track. Drum
wild Up ~ Feather & Stone
We review a lot of modern classical crossover at ACL, but this is the real deal: the type of composition that moves music forward. For evidence, look no further than the inclusion of Messiaen’s “oiseaux exotiques”, a piece that won’t
wild Up ~ Feather & Stone
We review a lot of modern classical crossover at ACL, but this is the real deal: the type of composition that moves music forward. For evidence, look no further than the inclusion of Messiaen’s “oiseaux exotiques”, a piece that won’t
Adrian Lane ~ The Answering Smile
Adrian Lane‘s second album for Poland’s Preserved Sound inspires a sense of admiration. The music is as thick as that of a small orchestra, yet Lane plays all of the instruments himself: bowed psaltery, mandolin, zither, violin, acoustic guitar and
Adrian Lane ~ The Answering Smile
Adrian Lane‘s second album for Poland’s Preserved Sound inspires a sense of admiration. The music is as thick as that of a small orchestra, yet Lane plays all of the instruments himself: bowed psaltery, mandolin, zither, violin, acoustic guitar and
Matthew Collings ~ Silence Is A Rhythm Too
Last year we reviewed Matthew Collings‘ Splintered Instruments, which is being re-released on Denovali along with the current album. The instrumentation is even stronger this time around, highlighted by a brass ensemble and string quartet, and the vocals have been dropped. While
Matthew Collings ~ Silence Is A Rhythm Too
Last year we reviewed Matthew Collings‘ Splintered Instruments, which is being re-released on Denovali along with the current album. The instrumentation is even stronger this time around, highlighted by a brass ensemble and string quartet, and the vocals have been dropped. While
Ulises Conti ~ Los Griegos creían que las estrellas eran pequeños agujeros por donde los dioses escuchaban a los hombres
After publishing the name of the album (whose rough translation is The Greeks believed that the stars were small holes where the gods listened to men), will there be any room left for the review? There’s hardly enough room for the
Ulises Conti ~ Los Griegos creían que las estrellas eran pequeños agujeros por donde los dioses escuchaban a los hombres
After publishing the name of the album (whose rough translation is The Greeks believed that the stars were small holes where the gods listened to men), will there be any room left for the review? There’s hardly enough room for the
A Model Kit ~ Invention of Love
Many doubtless have fond memories of putting together an Airfix or equivalent kit as a youngster. As with dioramas or even Lego, the miniaturisation of things can provoke endless fascination. A Model Kit is a wonderfully apt moniker for this
A Model Kit ~ Invention of Love
Many doubtless have fond memories of putting together an Airfix or equivalent kit as a youngster. As with dioramas or even Lego, the miniaturisation of things can provoke endless fascination. A Model Kit is a wonderfully apt moniker for this
a closer listen 