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Aether - In Between the Frames
Topic Started: Apr 22 2007, 08:30 AM (453 Views)
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Aether inhabit the space where art and music collide. This Columbus trio derive inspiration from painters like Pollock and play music incorporating what they describe as ‘electronic/ techno elements in a post-rock setting drawing on concepts of the avant-garde and 20th century composers’ (like Varese and Webber).

The bass/ keys player Oren Shai says the music is more cerebral than gutsy but I’m not entirely sure about that for there is certainly a big connection on the visceral plain with soundscapes as evocative and accessible as, say Baddalamenti or Slow Dive. Indeed elsewhere on their web site it is commented upon that the music is not just cerebral but deeply felt and intensely personal and emotive- I would go along with that.

Everything about this album is stunning. Four 7-8 minutes tracks are more than enough, anything more might become overpowering, too much of a good thing! ‘Gorecki Revisited’ is instantly ear catching, a stunning opener that just gets better and better with each listen. ‘Phase’ is slightly less demonstrative but equally satisfying. ‘Red Maroon’ is a masterpiece built on the foundation of that simplest of devices, the scale. It could and should go on forever. 5 minutes in there is some very eerie organ that is quickly deluged by some thunderous drumming by Christian Volpe. The same eerie organ notes take us out. Paul Carney’s guitar is verging on the dischordant but is never so- there is a remarkable melodic drive throughout that is unusual in such adventurous music. (I have Jerry Kranitz to thank for introducing me to this track and to Aether on his marvellous radio show ‘Aural Innovations’).

‘Waltz for Sophia’ is, as the title suggests, quite tranquil and beautiful. I was reminded of many things I had heard in the past but realised my search was in vain for this music is totally unique.

I wish I had more time to write down all my impressions and to delve a bit further but suffice to say this CD will never be far away from my CD player in the coming weeks and months. I think I am becoming one of Aether’s biggest fans already!


Review by Phil Jackson

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