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Reviews

KTU — Quiver
(Rockadillo ZENCD 2125, 2009, CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2010-07-01

Quiver Cover art

The follow-up to the first effort from the partnership of latter day King Crimson rhythm section (Trey Gunn and Pat Mastelloto) with accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen is a must for fans of Crimson and aggressive but intelligent metal. Drop your petty bias against the push-button bellows: in the hands of this Finnish madman you must entertain the idea of classic progrock married to a mainland Euro tradition (especially on pieces such as “Kataklasm” and the title track). Obvious folk dance pieces such as “Nano” and the forlorn ballad “Wasabi Fields” put the project slightly into world music category but even that is a misnomer; categorization attempts are futile. Maybe it’s due to the telepathic nature of the improvisers and sonic sculptors. Porcupine Tree ace Steven Wilson’s ear and drum-heavy mix weigh in heavy on “Jacaranda” and “Miasmaa.” The former piece relies on a relentless tapping structure to provide a cascading carnival effect that would tickle Lars Hollmer from beyond the grave. The latter track benefits from an ambient forest-like setting before creating a wide brooding theme. It’s clear that the trio is establishing a strong identity that supersedes their previous endeavors with plenty of open ended options. If you dug Samla Mammas Manna or any of Hollmer’s complex compositions and wondered what would it would be like if he had a combustible rhythm section then think no more: here is a perplexing but rewarding answer.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 38, 2009 releases

Related artist(s): KTU, Pat Mastelotto, Kimmo Pohjonen, Trey Gunn, TU

 

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