Album Information:
Released in 2015 on Constellation Records
Overview
Saxophonist Colin Stetson and violinist Sarah Neufeld employ innovative performance techniques and a keen sense of texture to compose minimalist compositions that are as brooding as they are beautiful. Instead of looping or overdubbing, multiple contact microphones are strategically placed in various locations on Colin’s saxophone and body to add layers of percussion and atmosphere on top of his hypnotic rhythms and synth-like bass sax drones and arpeggios. His circular breathing and polyphonic voicing techniques allow his ostinatos to mutate and become more complex as the compositions slowly unfold. Sarah’s extremely nuanced playing and wordless vocals create a sense of haunting melancholy to counter and complement Colin’s rhythmic drive.
Recommended for fans of the pulsating meditations of Steve Reich and apocalyptic atmospheres of Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
