Building Instrument

Building Instrument (trio)

Building Instrument (Hubro; 2014)

Mari Kvien Brunvoll (vocals, percussion)

Oyvind Hegg-Lunde (drums and percussion) 

Asmund Weltzien (synthesizer, electronics, melodica)

Peaceful. Thoughtful. Enveloping. These are just a few impressions you might come away with after experiencing lush beauty of the Building Instrument debut album.

The Norwegian trio present a mellow experimental folk sound that blends contemporary themes with acoustic and electronic instruments all the while feeling sparse and emotional. Brunvoll voice adds an ethereal quality reminiscent of Elizabeth Frazer or A.C. Marias. But those references are only that--references. Brunvoll glistens alongside percussions and keyboards on wistful, "Bli Med. And the wonderful and heartbreaking opener "Historia," show that this trio is working on a completely different plan than most within the genre.

A more rhythmic and soulful stance is taken with "Klokka Sju," A nightfall midtempo piece with a laid back groove that's driven forward by Brunvoll's vocals but enhanced by electronics and succinct patterns laid down by Hegge-Lunde.

Building Instrument is a solid and startling debut that puts faith and fuel back into the emotional void left bands like Cocteau Twins, Cranes, and Dead Can Dance (even though DCD are back recording). Building Instrument provide a new direction and perfect path towards the future. A lovely debut and hopefully we hear and see more from them sooner rather than later. Highly Recommended.

1982: A/B

1982 (trio)
A/B (Hubro Music; 2014)
Nils Okland (violin, fiddle)
Sigbjorn Appland (harmonium, piano)
Oyvind Skarbo (drums)

Fredrik Ljungkvist (clarinet),
Erik Johannessen (trombone)
Sofya Dudaeva (flute)
Matthias Wallin (sax)
Hanne Liland Rekdal (bassoon)
Stian Omenas (conductor)

You know when you stumble into that artist or group that seems to do no wrong with each release? Well, 1982 are that group. A/B is another sold chamber masterpiece deserving every minute of your attention. With the addition of writing material for a much large ensemble 1982 have enlisted a strong cast to help re-develop and expand on their vision.

Track 1, "18.06" is a shimming work of cinematic orchestration which is both beautiful, and extremely engaging. Rich in bassoon tones and bombastic drum patterns provide an exciting new glimpse of 1982 that we have not heard to this point in their history.

Delving deeper and broader in scope with A/B, the trio have develop an atmospheric tone reminiscent of Michael Brook and Jon Hassell. The second half of the session features percussive elements wrapped in the soft coils of the wind ensemble that handles each of the remaining piece with delicacy.

A/B is melodic and emotionally effective. A solid re-imagination for 1982. And probably the best the record to date. Yes, at this point they seem be able to do whatever they want with their compositions and instrumentation. Highly Recommended.

Cakewalk: Transfixed

Cakewalk (trio)
Transfixed (Hubro Music; 2013)
Oystein Skar (keyboards)
Stephan Meidell (guitars; bass)
Ivar Loe Bjornstad (drums)

Precision guitar drones, pulsating electronics and drums make Norwegian trio, Cakewalk's newest release, Transfixed the perfect soundtrack for your subconscious. While their music may bring comparisons or reference points (see my discussion of their first album Wired), Cakewalk are really bringing their sound into their own. And their vision is clear. A simply deconstruction of preexisting thoughts on genre.

"Ghost" and "Dive" are studies in the pushing and pull of sound. The effectiveness of the melodic tones on both tracks draws the listener deeper into the notes. The crashing drums of "Ghost" and slowly stretched out keyboards on "Dive" emotionally pull you in very dark directions. Beautiful and effective.

"Transfixed" is really driven by Meidell's long looping basslines and Bjornstad's heavy but slow pounding on the kits. The electronics are layered in the background and provide atmospherics but the bass really is the haunting force of this piece. "Transfixed slow builds with Meidell adding the screeching guitar chords towards the closing.

The majority of the work on Transfixed is improvised. But you would never know but how well the notes come together so smoothly. And that's when you know you've heard a work of beauty. When the origin is never discernible.

Cakewalk are a growing, working trio that should emerge as one of the most important over the next few years. Transfixed is the perfect document of that philosophy. Highly Recommended.

Moskus: Salmesykkel

Moskus (trio)
Salmesykkel (Hubro Music; 2012)
Hans Hulbaekmo (drums)
Fredrik Luhr Dietrichson (bass)
Anja Lauvdal (piano)

Truly an unbelievably beautiful debut. Moskus show a balance maturity and youthfulness that breathes new life into a scene that is filled with trios that now starting to branch outward. With Salmesykkel, Moskus manage to keep things contemporary yet with clear traditional lyricism.

Moskus set aside the cold, distant nature usually associated with trios from the Scandinavian region in favour of keeping things simple. The title track opens the album with vibrancy and adventure. Lavdal's notes delicate, airy and inviting. Dietrichson and Hulbaekmo add textured beats that provide a subtle groove later incorporates small closing gospel lines. A beautifully written opening that carries a clam spirit throughout the session.

"Farlig Norsk Hengebru" is jovial and well collected. Hulbaekmo's drums and percussion drive the rhythm. While Lauvdal weaves in and out with improvised lines all with the background of a tight bass line melody from Dietrichson. The piece quickly becomes engrossing with the trio improvising their way into the closing notes.

"Dagen Derpa Og Veien Tellbaksjatt" and "Creperie De Marie" are more introspective and free moving pieces that show Moskus' capability of moving from captivating rhythms to personal and thought provoking themes. Closing on the trio's on name with "Moskus" is bold. Something about the piece for me had me thinking "what if Nick Cave laid down lyrics for this?" What an amazing collaboration. It's a dark ballad but executed with such beauty and grace you could cry.

Salmesykkel is a stunning achievement of maturity from a young trio that is still finding its voice. But that may come sooner than you think. This a superb debut from Moskus and highly recommended.

Ivar Grydeland: Bathymetric Modes

Ivar Grydeland (guitar, electronics)
Bathymetric Modes (Hubro Music; 2012)

Over the last decade, Ivar Grydeland has recorded and performed on some exciting albums. Whether it's been with Dans les arbres, Ballrogg, Huntsville and more, Grydeland's beautifully textured atmospheric folk tones have graced and enhanced an number of sessions.

On his surprisingly, first (essentially) solo album, Bathymetric Modes, Grydeland shows the same grace and spacious adventure that makes many of his sessions captivating. Joined by members whom he has worked with over the years, on a couple of tracks, Bathymetric Modes feels right at home and quick to absorb as a first time listener.

"Roll" has an intriguing mixture of Brazilian and European themes which are both cold and intoxicating. A folkish quality that projects an image of a long car ride across country. Fast paced with countryside imagery.

With "Bounce" you can sense the elements of his previous works as well as shades of Steve Riech or John Abercrombie. This is a luscious fusion of space and continuous harmonic structures. As the piece moves into its middle stages the electronics take hold and it becomes angelic and transcending.

Bathymetric Modes is a real surprise for me. I did expect to like it from the first spin. But what I didn't expect was how consistently I would come back to it. Time and time again. A late entry to one of my albums of the year. Simply fantastic.