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Markus Reuter — Truce <3
(Iapetus no#, 2025, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2025-05-07

Truce <3 Cover art

Of Markus Reuter’s many releases as a solo artist and in various bands, his Truce albums stand among my favorites. The combination of his playing with Fabio Trentini’s up-front bass work and the ever-imaginative drumming of Asaf Sirkis is a match made in a musical dream world. Reuter’s two sides are both on fine display on the third Truce album, with beautiful ambient soundscapes backing nearly all the music and wild, vaguely Frippian lead lines providing both melodic interest and edgy solos. Upon first listening, it’s definitely Trentini’s bass that stands out. Much of the time, he’s playing a fretless bass, and is clearly influenced by Mick Karn, though he’s got a somewhat more aggressive tone with a bite of distortion. On several of the tracks, it’s almost as if the bass part is the main hook rather than Reuter’s guitar-equivalent. Reuter’s touch guitar is in fine form here, with its usual array of effects and manipulations. I really appreciate how this album focuses his playing with some pre-composed parts that fit together with Trentini’s bass lines. Reuter is a skilled improviser, but as a listener I appreciate having some themes to latch onto. Sirkis turns in a stellar performance as well. He locks in with the bass in fascinating ways that don’t sound like other drummers, and there are many moments where he comes up with truly strange rhythms that in the hands of a less skilled group would derail forward progress. Another appealing factor of Truce <3 is the relative conciseness of the tracks. Many of Reuter’s recordings require a substantial time commitment, but here we have ten tracks that range from three to nine minutes, and can — gasp! — actually be described as catchy! Of course, this is not Green Day or Crowded House catchy, but compared to Anchor and Burden or Tu-Ner, it’s positively hummable. For fans of great bass playing, Crimson-esque instrumental prog, or phenomenal drumming, Truce <3 is a sure winner.

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Markus Reuter, Asaf Sirkis, Fabio Trentini / Moonbound

More info
http://markusreuter.bandcamp.com/album/truce-3

 

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