Gordon Grdina & Christian Lillinger: Duo Work

This album features a collaboration between Gordon Grdina on guitar and MIDI-guitar, and Christian Lillinger on drums. The project highlights their combined efforts in composition and improvisation, with most pieces jointly composed by Grdina and Lillinger, except for tracks 1, 5, 8, and 12, credited to Grdina alone.

This is an enthralling exploration of sound and collaboration. It opens with the cacophonous track "Song One" setting the tone for the entire recording. Grdina's use of MIDI guitar adds an intriguing layer of complexity, challenging Lillinger on drums and percussion. Moreover, Lillinger rises to the occasion, engaging in blustery rhythmic patterns throughout. The duo's chemistry is palpable, untainted by external influences or time constraints.

Indeed, Grdina's use of MIDI guitar adds an otherworldly quality, complemented by his collaborator who responds with rhythmic precision, engaging in a hard-hitting musical event which sets the tone for the entire recording.

During the 38-minute duration, Grdina and Lillinger engage in a relentless dialogue. Tracks such as "Impala" display their stamina, as they weave intricate patterns of sound. The chemistry between the two musicians is palpable, with each note and improvisation being a testament to their shared musical language.

Compositions, such as "Ash," reveal Grdina's mastery of stringed instruments. The piece carries the weight of free-form improvisations amid a delicate balance between structure and spontaneity. Meanwhile, "Gerhard" surprises with abrasiveness and smashing interplay, revealing the duo's boundless well of inspiration during the recording sessions.

Each track generates momentum, accumulating to create a cohesive whole. Grdina and Lillinger defy constraints, creating a sonic universe in which time dissolves, leaving only the music.

In conclusion, Duo Work is not just an album; it is a bold statement on the power of collaborative noise, creativity, and the unbridled joy of musical innovation. Grdina and Lillinger extend an invitation to their listeners to embark on a journey which challenges conventional expectations and celebrates the nuanced art of musical dialogue.

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