spunkSpunk is a Norwegian quartet who focus on improvisation. Their various backgrounds, classical through jazz and techno to country, keep the sound from settling in one genre. It transcends the usual habit of categorisation to bring us a sound common only to itself. Kristin Andersen (trumpet), Hild Sofie Tafjord (French horn), Maja Solveig Kjelstrup Ratkje (vocals, electronics) and Lene Grenager (cello) have been together since 1995 and Kantarell is their fourth album. Kantarell includes both acoustic and electronic elements. There is little melody and the rhythm is sporadic. It opens with 'Tremble' – a piece with an uneasy atmosphere dominated by, well, trembling drums highlighted by insect like noises which climax towards a more restful coda. Later, in 'Quadralogue', we hear more clearly the full range of sounds the four accomplished musicians are able to produce. It is the most acoustic of the tracks and pulsating form takes us from complete abstraction to a sound close to jazz. It is rougher and has a more open sound than the other tracks. Some pieces rouse ideas or atmospheres. For example: 'The Lake' evokes images of mosquitoes, old creaking boats and crickets breaking the calm of a lake at sunset. 'Ankomst' sounds like an answer to 'who can make the most hideous noise for the longest period of time? And let's all play at once' There is no winner. 'Ute' has undertones of the Far East in a way that reminds us how far away it really is. Improvisation such as this is not for everyone. The listener needs patience, among other things, to find an appreciation for it. A style without a genre, it is both innovative and interesting, but also gives the impression of sounds searching for something more. -- anna johnston
:: Spunk/Kantarell - spunkmusic.com/Rune Grammofon/Cargo.
