Exposé print issues (1993-2011)
Luminescent Orchestrii — Luminescent Orchestrii
((Not on label) no#, 2003, CD)
by Jon Davis, Published 2004-04-01
Luminescent Orchestrii is not the first band to combine Eastern European folk music with punkish energy – Sviraj, Reptile Palace Orchestra, the Ukrainians and others have been there before – but there’s enough room in the world for another band in the genre. And LE’s take on it is a bit different than others I’ve heard. The lineup consists of three violins, acoustic guitar, and acoustic bass (actually a guitarron), occasionally augmented by percussion, harmonica, melodica, and so on. This live recording, less than 30 minutes in length, shows great promise. They must really cook live, but the fidelity is low enough that the CD is unsatisfying as a listening experience. I can only hope they manage to make a better quality recording soon. These are great tunes well played, with a playful attitude and a real love of the material, whether its origins be traditional or original. The traditional-based tunes originate in Romania, Transylvania, and other –anias in that part of the world. The original tunes fit right in with the spirit and tonality of the folk songs. Several members sing, both male and female. The arrangements use the strings very effectively, with touches of dissonance, nice harmonies and moments of chaos where anything can happen.Filed under: New releases, Issue 29, 2003 releases
Related artist(s): Luminescent Orchestrii
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