Microplastique: Blare Blow Bloom!

Blare Blow Bloom! by Microplastique, a Chicago-based contemporary music group, is a wild ride through the avant-garde jazz landscape. The album is a cacophony of sound that somehow manages to be both chaotic and harmonious, a testament to the artists' musical prowess and fearless creativity. The press release states: "Performing the compositions of band leader Adam Shead, Microplastique creates music that is both absurd in its aesthetic and serious in its execution." The album features selections from concerts in Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, Lafayette and Indianapolis, highlighting the ensemble's energetic forays into parts unknown.

The album opens with "Blare," a track that blasts off with frenetic energy which never relents. It is like being strapped into a rocket and launched into a sonic space adventure, with each instrument competing for attention in a thrilling, high-stakes game of musical chairs. Due to its hectic and rapid mode of delivery, this piece could serve as the soundtrack to an off-kilter silent movie. Woodwind virtuoso Molly Jones punctuates the piece with piercing notes, executing razor-sharp unison runs that interlock masterfully with Shead's expansive percussive palette.

"Yearning" takes a markedly different approach, offering a more spacious and contemplative atmosphere. It provides a welcome respite from the earlier intensity, allowing listeners to catch their breath while remaining engaged in the intricate instrumental dialogue. The understated saxophone weaves a soulful melody, while Shead's restrained percussion adds depth through subtle melodic undertones and introspective textures.

On "Walk on Kedzie," the musicians engage in a reflective theme, guided by Ben Tucker's cyclical pocket trumpet lines. The track is characterized by an underlying sense of whimsy and an almost childlike innocence that contrasts beautifully with the album's more abrasive moments.

Blare Blow Bloom! looms as a testament to Microplastique's virtuosity and fearless creative vision. It is an album that demands attention and rewards curiosity, offering a unique and unforgettable listening experience. Whether you are a devoted fan of avant-garde jazz or simply seeking something provocatively new, this album will likely challenge and expand your musical boundaries.

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