Huet//Fournier//Kuhl’s new experimental “electroacoustic” album Rarefied Air embodies the very idea of “opposite.” The album is both eerily sparse and chaotically energetic and these differences almost physically jerk the listener around. With a run time of 49 minutes via four songs, it’s easy to become immersed in each track as they meticulously unfold. Alex Fournier’s double bass is the backbone of Rarefied Air with Edwin Huet (electronics/live processing) and Mike Kuhl (drums/percussion) adding the flesh of the songs. Together, the trio has made an evocative experimental jazz album.
The opener “Ao” highlights Fournier’s double bass ability. He solos sporadically in the first section of the song as Kuhl emphasizes the bass with a flurry of percussive sounds. This transitions to Fournier playing with a bow alongside processed metallic percussion. The tinny nature of this section is horror movie-like, but it doesn’t last long as it transitions back to the madness of the first section. All of this culminates to the track's final minute, where Kuhl drops into a groovy drum beat that is immensely gratifying after the mayhem that preceded it. On “Xiode,” we get more bow playing from Fournier in the first two minutes, which could have gone even longer. The percussion on this track is even more tinny and harsh, helping add to the jarring nature of the track. Around the middle of “Xiode,” the drums mellow out, and we get some atypical percussive and ambient sounds that play out the song. There are far too many to describe, but it’s terrifically weird. The aptly named “Rarefied Air” takes advantage of spareness and simplicity. The drums are more reserved as Fournier’s hair-raising bass playing takes center stage. Huet’s electronics and sound manipulation play a big part in this track. There are modulated chimes, static, high-frequency sounds, substantial delay and more. This song is like being on an abandoned moon base until about the 12:30 mark when it transitions into what can only be sentient AI communicating with one another. This moment lasts about two minutes, but it's so engaging it could be an album all its own. Finally, we reach the closing song “Conjuration.” The aqueous processing on the percussion is brilliant and sounds like it’s flowing between the other tracks like water. The intensity slowly builds to frenzied free drumming and Fournier shredding the bass. Like “Ao,” Kuhl eventually plays a more normalized beat that, juxtaposed to the rest of the song, has a great groove to it. The song quietly comes end as the instruments disintegrate into silence. Rarefied Air is a highly-engaging work of electroacoustic, experimental jazz. The album’s intensity fluctuates seamlessly and keeps each track fresh despite their long run times. Also, the atmosphere throughout is consistent and immersive. With so many layers in each track, repeated listening is a must.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
May 2024
|