CULTURE BOX

 

 

for all you fans of angular vibes, here some news that might interst you

 

Artist: Monstrance

Title: Monstrance

Label: Ape

 

Monstrance marks the first recorded reunion of old XTC compadres Andy Partridge and Barry Andrews since the latter left to form Shriekback. They're joined on these improvised instrumentals by Shriekback drummer Martyn Barker, who provides a varied backdrop to their guitar and keyboards. Opener "I Lovely Cosmonaut" is typical, moving tentatively from a bricolage of electronic noises and guitar phrases to a surging, riff-based conclusion. Can are an obvious influence, with Partridge simulating Michael Karoli's guitar, and Andrews emulating Irmin Schmidt's whirling organ, on "Ur Tannoy", and Barker setting up Jaki Liebezeit-style cyclical patterns for"Winterwerk". There's an overall mood akin to ECM's chamber-jazz output throughout this absorbing and accomplished display.

this album has got 5 stars in the press today:

 

Monstrance, Monstrance

By Andy Gill in the Independent

Published: 06 April 2007

 

Having recorded ambient/new-age soundscapes with Harold Budd, and psychedelic pastiche with XTC offshoot Dukes Of Stratosfear, the exploratory nature of this Andy Partridge project is no surprise - less of a surprise, probably, than his reunion with keyboardist Barry Andrews. Andrews left XTC in 1979 after just two albums, going on to form avant-rock combo Shriekback, which also supplies the third member of Monstrance, drummer Martyn Barker. Recorded with no planning or rehearsal, this double album is a series of open-ended improvisations of startling invention. Clearly, there's an almost telepathic bond between the three, of the kind that drives the best jazz improvisers: Partridge's guitar work on "Black Swan Black" and "Winterwerk" has a touch and tone akin to Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny, while Andrews' piano and Barker's drumming have the thoughtful manner of ECM chamber jazz. Elsewhere, Beefheart's Magic Band and Krautrock pioneers Can are obvious direct influences.