SOOJIN ANJOU/ASKAT JETIGEN/ROBERT LIPPOK: Gletschermusik CD Folk Wisdom

SOOJIN ANJOU/ASKAT JETIGEN/ROBERT LIPPOK: Gletschermusik   CD   Folk Wisdom

As a conceptual source, ‘Gletschermusik’ (Glacial Music) utilizes the sounds and images of Central Asia’s melting glaciers; and this is a worthy cause to highlight to the world, in this era of devastating long-term climate change.

Musically though, this does little for me.  Whilst appropriately using traditional instrumentation that fits the geographical area, it all sounds a bit hessian blankets and incense burners on snow topped mountains; and I cannot warm to it one jot.

When I think of glaciers melting, I think of frozen ambient pads drifting across a bleak landscape eventually dissolving away; and for me, this album doesn’t capture the essence of what they’re trying to accomplish.

However, I am sure there will be those out there that disagree with me; and whilst I couldn’t get to grips with this project, the music itself is accomplished and played well.

6/10

OZMOTIC: Liquid Times CD Folk Wisdom/SObject

OZMOTIC: Liquid Times  CD Folk Wisdom/SObject

Following on from the excellent ‘Air Effect’ split with Christian Fennesz (who also appears on this in collaboration on two tracks), OZmotic returns with an album that is purely their own vision.  I was curious to see how this duo faired solely and whether the brilliance of the last album was mainly down to their mighty partner in crime.

Splicing an array of live instrumentation, OZmotic utilise sourced percussion and scatter them amongst a sea of ambient and IDM electronics.  The end result is a satisfying mix that sits well on the ears; where complexity is kept to a minimum and can be appreciated more with minute fits and bursts.

As a concept, the music aptly carries the notion of interlacing cultures within a city of Diasporas; where humanity is surrounded in a reality without barriers.  OZmotic cleverly folds layers of music from a variety of ethnic inspiration and wraps them up in a fresh, modern glue of electronic communal spirit.

As a whole I was more than impressed with this latest output, which comfortably follows on from the aforementioned ‘Air Effect’; and look forward to any future releases from these invigorating prospects.

9/10

OZMOTIC | FENNESZ: Air Effect LP/CD Folk Wisdom/SObject

OZMOTIC | FENNESZ: Air Effect    LP/CD Folk Wisdom/SObject

Any release that involves the genius of Christian Fennesz, will grab my attention; and this time he has joined in collaboration with electronic duo, OZmotic to produce an album thematically drawn from the concept of a discovery of a black box lost in the Anthropocene era.

Field recordings provided the foundations for the album; but are utilised correctly as a simple bedrock to lay a wash of electronics across. OZmotic bring their fair share of Jazz influence to the mix too, but it’s done with the subtlety and desperation that the release demands, with no instrument taking over and hogging the limelight.

Things really pick up on track three, ‘Run to Ruin’ with up-paced beats and modern electronica spliced with vocal samples and the unmistakable guitar of Fennesz. Once again there is a heavy Jazz element to the overall sound, but this has been drenched with the fruits of other influences.

‘Air Effect’ throws together a number of genres that shouldn’t entirely work. However, the thought processes and obvious talent behind the release, collectively have produced an intriguing, peculiar, yet ultimately listenable collection of tracks that smash together a number of opposing forces that are as engaging as they are odd.

9/10