Title: Mettle
Artist: Strange Attractor
Genre: Jazz / Ambient / Electronic
Release Date: 14th November 2008
Label: Music for Speakers
Album Review
In 2006, the project around Niels van Hoorn (LEGENDARY PINK DOTS) and Richard van Kruysdijk (SONAR LODGE) released its debut CD ‘Everything Is Closer’ and quickly built up a strong reputation. The album gained overall positive feedback Throughout 2006 and 2007 they had headlining slots in 11 countries on 3 European tours and now comeback with their second coup ‘Mettle’.
The opener ‘Anything’ flows down the road on a gentle stream of muffled percussion, mixed with a pinch of subtle electronics and guided by the enchanting notes of a reverberating flute and unexpected orchestral and all this is accompanied by Marie-Claudine’s incredible voice talent. Nothing but a great opener! The rhythm on the follow-up track ‘The best things are left unspoken’ reminds of raindrops tapping on a tin roof at night. This overly calming composition is vocalized by Graham Lewis of the British WIRE who’s delivering a mixture of spoken-word and singing performance with deep and enigmatic lyrics. At times this trip-hop like track unfolds an atmosphere which is sending shivers down the spine. In the later half, unfortunately it’s getting kind of repetitive and could have used some more sonic surprises.
‘Loneliness is a crowded room’ is much like a walk through deserted streets at night. That’s the atmosphere it spreads. It’s more of an ambient collage opening up a cosm of differently coloured sound bits and fragments. Fluid layers in different states of alienation go hand in hand with droning basses and deep clarinet with a voice fading in and out of this sea all the time. ‘Sleaze’ is just like you would imagine a jazz track and at the same time it’s not. Rhythms made by brushes, a deep bass tone slowly grinding towards infinity. But then there’s this ambient infusion with layers enveloping everything. The slightly smoky vocals by David J. (BAUHAUS) only put the lid on all this. How he’s creating a depth and ambience with his words and timbre is amazing, moreover this track has a great saxophone section to come up with.
The vocals on ‘Quietude’ belong to Vincent Tong, probably best known for his work as a vocalist in the band TUXEDOMOON. On this track, he’s delivering a spoken-word performance, based on his translation of a text by French poet Charles Baudelaire (L’invitation au voyage) to enforce the words; they’re all wrapped up a jazz costume with brushes, soft cymbals, piano and saxophone; with casual excursions into the ambient sector as well. ‘Snail’ is the most down-tempo track on the album. If at all, I could compare it a little to the sound of BOHREN & DER CLUB OF GORE; and it’s entirely instrumental… except for the abstract and weird choirs.
I can honestly say that this record has absolutely surprised me with its unusual combination of various acoustic instruments with electronics. That might not sound surprising to you, but if you once heard something off that record you’ll understand. Many of the songs have strong references to jazz, however it’s much more than that. It’s hard to describe. Just check out the disc, you won’t be disappointed.
Tracklist
01. Anything – 4:50
02. The best things are left unspoken – 6:52
03. Evaporate – 6:13
04. Loneliness is a crowded room – 4:26
05. Sleaze – 5:52
06. Plain gold ring – 5:24
07. Sound generation – 3:15
08. Quietude – 6:10
09. Snail – 7:33
10. Heaven – 12:00
Line-up
Niels van Hoorn - Saxophones, Bass clarinet, Steiner wind synth, Flute, Electronics
Richard van Kruysdijk - Electronics, Drums, Keys, Production
Marie-Claudine - Vocals, Piano
…and various guest appearances
Website
http://www.myspace.com/attractor
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 10
Extras: -
Total: 9.5
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