Sylvain Rifflet: Alphabet

While most people think of the alphabet as a collection of letters which act as the building blocks for words, Sylvain Rifflet probably isn't one of them. The French reed multi-instrumentalist seems to subscribe to the broader definition, which states that an alphabet is really "the basic elements in a system which combine to form complex entities." His Alphabet presents an ensemble using electronics, sound manipulation, minimalism, classical ideals, film score suggestions, trance music—and, yes, jazz—as the "basic elements" that lead to the "complex entities" that are his compositions.

Rifflet's pieces can best be viewed as hypnotic sound collages for quartet. While no two numbers sound the same, Rifflet does revel in the opportunity to create balance between change and consistency throughout. This can be heard immediately in the balance between flautist Jocelyn Mienniel's soloing and the backing parts on "Hyper Imaginative JuKe (Box) (Part 1)," but it's also noticeable throughout, with percussionist/drummer Benjamin Flament's steady work countering other elements at play. The relationship between Rifflet and Mienniel is also a key to the success of the music, with both musicians often dovetailing with, and playing off of, one another.

While it takes a track or two to acclimate to Rifflet's world, it proves to be a wonderful place to visit once the ear has made its adjustment. "To Z" has a slow, steady churn to it, "® and Silence" is a trippy journey launched with breathing-based beat boxing, "À l'heure" starts out with percussive metal clanging and arrives at a pleasant, pastoral woodwind scene and "C