‘Nowhere’
documents the collaboration between Isambard Khroustaliov (aka
Sam Britton from electronic duo Icarus) and bass clarinet player
Lothar Ohlmeier. The works of both artists, especially the former,
tend to hinge around complex and dense arrangements that can occasionally
suffocate the listener in a whirling cascade of sound. With ‘Nowhere’
these ideologies have been left behind in favour of unadulterated
sonic freedom that results in a trek into the unknown where each
musical element is allowed to flow at its own pace to its own
destination.
The result is an album of skeletal and
industrialised Jazz motifs stretched subtly across an infinite
terrain. Micro-electronics tear, whoosh, crackle, spark and click
with unconstrained freedom whilst the sound of the bass clarinet
meanders sombrely and softly in its own timezone. The two are
laced together and arranged very intricately to create a soundscape
where the electronics act as accompanying instruments within a
deranged orchestra.
After lulling listeners into a state of
somber reflection and unbounded space, proceedings become progressively
more hostile on the Hitchcock-esque noir of ‘After Sunrise’
and on ‘The Vague Terrain’ with its fusion of dark
ambient atmospherics, wafting electronic skree and jabs of piping
bass-clarinet. Making full use of the bass clarinets ability to
enhance the qualities of the lower range of the soprano and alto
instrument, Ohlmeier’s playing resonates with a rich, earthy
and slightly eerie tone which is arranged using an avant-garde
methodology. Khroustaliov on the other hand carves out both the
subtly penetrating atmosphere via shifting dark ambient noodling’s
as well as all manner of intricately created and arranged snippets
of electronic sound. The final track ‘Dusk’ is the
track that embodies both of these players contributions to the
fullest. Possessing the densest sound found on the album it documents
a driving synergy between both electronics and bass-clarinet to
create a moody and micro-orchestral soundtrack to insects busily
scuttling amongst a serene and magnificent landscape.
‘Nowhere’ is a highly minimalist
recording requiring the full attention of the listener and zero
distractions. Don’t follow these listening conditions and
it will be nothing more than randomly arranged noises occasionally
popping out of your speakers. Listen closely though and the contrast
of futuristic, sci-fi sounds created by Khroustaliov and the traditional
yet avant-garde musings of Ohlmeier’s bass clarinet make
for a riveting listen that is wrapped in a dark-atmospheric cloak
and sounds a little like a slightly sedated Eric Dolphy jamming
with the skeleton of the Halfer Trio. (KS)
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