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Kalle Kalima and K-18: Buñuel de Jour
BySimilar in dynamics to the earlier albums, this contains maybe more archetypal themes, where scrunchy low guitar and obtuse sax or clarinet lines undercut by haunting discordant accordion. Again similar varieties of crescendo, dissonance and weirdness push the boundaries of indulgence. Key in this respect, Mikko Innanen has made something of a name for himself in Europe as a purveyor of bizaare saxophony which is easily transferable to Kalima's off the wall compositions.
This is not to say that many pieces are lacking in melody or harmonic feel. Some evoke a distinctly meditative feeling, such as El Padre, a reference to Buñuel's own appearances in his films as a priest, as well as possible motifs of Charles Mingus and Eric Dolphy. The references to the films are not intended to be categorical, and Kalima's writing in the copious liner notes explains that it is often just a mood that the film conveys which he is trying to interpret auditorially.
In accordance with the variety of Buñuel's work, and in comparison to Kalima's earlier Kubrick-and Lynch-inspired albums, as a whole this is more low key, even delicate at times. Belle de Jour has a particularly dreamy feel, with Innanen's sax played very sotto over Hauta-Aho's minimalistic bass and Kujala's ephemeral micro-toned accordion. There is as much variety here as Buñuel's own work, and enough to keep the listener dazed and intrigued.
Track Listing
The Phantom of Liberty; The Milky Way, El Padre; Los Olvidados; Belle de Jour; Diary of a Chambermaid; The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie; Tristana; Simon of the Desert; That Obscure Object of Desire; An Andalusian Dog;Viridiana.
Personnel
Kalle Kalima: electric guitar and percussion; Mikko Innanen: alto saxophone, xaphoon and whistles, hornpipe with contact mic; Veli Kujala: quarter-tone accordion; Teppo Hauta-aho: double bass, percussion.
Album information
Title: Buñuel de Jour | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: TUM Records