REVIEWS

six organsRTZ is a collection of Ben Chasny's early nocturnal emissions, previously released in very limited quantities. These intimate moments unfold slowly, the initial fumblings tentatively grip a melody before building into an a steady throb. The recording has a grainy, homemade feel to it that accentuates the introverted nature of this music, while the sparse instrumental colours combine to create a haunting illusion of space. The vocals are similarly inward-looking, at times evoking Blind Willie Johnson moaning his own accompaniment, at others a more eastern mantra-like flavour recalls the scent of incense and to cap it all, Chasny even does a hipster mumble to rival Lee Renaldo. To add to the askew, hall of mirrors ambiance, despite the extended passages of instrumental noodling and the subdued, reflective atmosphere throughout, each track seems to end unexpectedly. I would happily listen to Ben Chasny play for three or four times as long as the 15–20 minute tracks presented here, perhaps because each 'song' moves though a number of parts, exploring an area of texture or melody before moving on. The overall effect is like listening to a number of short, but related, pieces: a kind of oral scrapbook. Despite having been made early in the life of Organs of Admittance, this music is fully formed. Ben Chasny's light touch mesmerises the listener, even as the ghost of the late, great Ron Asheton haunts the electric guitar wails halfway though "Punish the Chasms with Wings". -- nick illot.
:: Six Organs Of Admittance/RTZ - Drag City/Rough Trade.

triska'Spring Forward, Fall Back' is an album of simple, straight forward songs most of which are written by Heidi Triska herself. She sings of friends and love and family in a voice bordering between sweet little girl on stage and something close to the spirit of Kate Bush yet never either. This nice, lively music with definite expression will surely be enjoyed by many. Triska is carefully expressive and has a unique way with lyrics. Unexpected emphasis on words in 'Sooner or Later' and 'Soon Be There Reloaded' could imply deeper meaning or twist the surface niceties. Triska is accompanied by Gerald Huber on fret noise shrouded guitar in most tracks. Other lovely additions are flute, clarinet, glockenspiel amongst others. There are some nice arrangements and pleasant melodies. The album itself is named after the two guitar solos which bookend it. The first sounds like something an inferior student of Mr Grohl might learn, and the last is, erm, well, it concludes the cd. It is a nice pop album which is easy to listen to. -- anna johnston.

:: Triska/Spring Forward, Fall Back - Redwinetunes/Pias/Rough Trade.

KTLLärm. Lärm. Lärm. Generiert aus E-Gitarre, diverser Software, Drums und Gong. Lärm beschützt, macht schlau und schlank, belebt den Morgen – wir kennen ja all die gängigen Vorurteile. Was uns Mego Boss Peter Rehberg mit SunnO))) Stephen O`Malley und Atsuo (Drummer bei Boris) hier als KTL IV abliefern, dampft höllisch nach eingekochter Ziegenkopfsuppe. Wo die Stones dannemal vor 100 Jahren auf ein Tänzchen mit dem Herrn T einluden, arbeitet sich das Gespann  O`Malley/Rehberg nach der Trilogie „Kindertotenlieder“ nun an die nutrasauren auralen Klanggewitter der frühen Swans heran. In „Paratrooper“ versetzt Atsuo deformiert zuckende Trommelkaskaden in das demoniaudible Gebälk aus ächzendem Holz- und Metallschrott. In den 80ern wäre der Begriff „Industrial Body Music“ in 32 von 34 Rezensionen gefallen, heute macht das kein Mensch mehr, aber warum?. „Wicked Way“ gefällt mir am besten, treibender Rhythmus, tickend wie ein Bombe, magnetisierende Klik-klaks und Sounds.
Das klasse isländische Label 12 Tonar bringt nach „Demon Jukebox“ nun mit „Demoni Paradiso“ den zweiten Longplayer der Supertruppe um Johann Johannsson, Stilluppsteypa und BJ Nilsen. Krautrockige Soundscapes generiert aus jeder Menge Laptops, analogen Synthesizern, Mixer und der „godawful evil Hammond Organ.“ Kraftwerkiges, Jean Michel Jarre Oxygene, 70er Pink Floyd, Klaus Schulze, Tangerine Dream – Resurrection O-Schalali. Fast modern im (trockeneisig umnebelden) Gewand, gefällig, jedoch abstrus genug um beim Entrücken zu entzücken.

:: KTL/IV - eMego 089/Groove Attack/A-Musik.

:: Evil Madness/Demoni Paradiso - 12 Tonar/Cargo.

Jakob KirkegaardThe concept behind Labyrinthitis is fascinating. Jacob Kirkegaard uses a "Tartini tone", produced in his ear, as the basis for his composition. When two tones at a certain ratio are played, the vibrations of the inner ear actually produce a (third) tone of their own. The tones are reproduced and overlapped at specific intervals in order to produce the Tartini tone in the listener's ears. Kirkegaard arranges the sounds into cascades, overlapping as they gradually descend in a cannon partly in your head, partly in the composition. The single 38 minute track on Labyrinthitis captivates the mind as you try to discern which sounds come from the speakers and which from your ears. The tones and buzzes absorb all thought and hold conscientious listeners in a trance. Our perception of sound is twisted and shifted in the way Escher tinkers with our perception of vision. As intriguing as this is, the main interest is in the sound experiment. It is a laborious task to be attentive from beginning to end. -- anna johnston.

:: Jakob Kirkegaard/Labyrinthitis  - Touch/Cargo/fonik.dk.

noregretsNo Regrets For Our Youth is a nine track album of individual pieces, beautifully created with acoustic, electronic, modern and old sound. Each track varies from simple to intricately developed music. The record is one work, in that each piece connects to the others, yet they are all unique. The first track of predominantly electronic sounds defines a heavy yet childlike melody with strong rhythm in seven time. The accents are unusual, as are the sounds, but with time this 'Dance' as it is titled, becomes less awkward. The mood changes significantly with track three. 'The Manners of Speech' holds us in a warm embrace of acoustic guitars and familiar chords with oodles of anticipation. The variety of sound is refreshing and incredibly beautiful. Then 'Fronts' jolts us to attention. It starts with a strikingly simple rhythm. High-hat and electric guitar initiate the dialogue, soon joined by voice, distorted guitar and organ to form an unusual but effective ensemble. Other tracks include a tense string quartet, an improvisatory harpsichord combined with electronic instruments and sounds to create unlikely unions. The final track brings us full circle and sounds from the opener are heard again. This time the melody is a little slower, as if a long journey has been accomplished. 'No Regrets for Our Youth' is a record of familiar sounds given new life with poignant anticipation and utterly heartbreaking tension. It is modern music with its own identity. Little information can be found about No Regrets For Our Youth maybe because the music speaks for itself. -- anna johnston.
:: No Regrets For Our Youth - noregretsforouryouth.net.

bela emersonBela Emerson brings us a side to the cello rarely heard. The soft melancholic moods are extended through and beyond atmospheric ideas and unconventional sounds. With sampling and live recording she creates weird and wonderful structures which, while remaining true to the cello's character also take it to new heights and expands its horizons. She has written soundtracks, worked and performed with numerous musicians and, while not gigging, she is teaching and facilitating workshops. In addition, she brings us her fourth album, Hespera. In Hespera, there is the impression that Emerson has experimented extensively and brought us the result of that labour. Clear mastery of her instrument and the medium shine through, the pieces are varied in both sound and structure. Wonderful melodies grow from seemingly nowhere and are developed completely, while acoustic and electronic techniques are used to created interesting rhythmic and harmonic effects. There is a relaxed, steady flow to the music yet an underlying insistence and ominous feel. It is far from easy listening, yet doesn't require too much from the audience. Emerson's impressive track record as a performer: "Passionate", "Captivating" and "Mesmerizing" make me hope to hear her around here sometime soon. -- anna johnston.

:: Bela Emerson/Hespera - Bip Hop/Cargo.