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