Freysteinn Gíslason: í allar áttir en samt bara eina

Allar Áttir En Samt Bara Eina is an LP by Freysteinn Gíslason, an Icelandic bassist known for his unique approach to music. His band often blends various influences into the program, incorporating elements of jazz, blues, and experimental sounds. His bass playing is known for its depth and versatility, often creating intricate melodies and rhythms which captivate listeners.

The LP title, which translates as "In All Directions but Still Just One," suggests a diverse exploration within a unified theme. It implies a musical journey across a range of styles and genres while maintaining a cohesive and singular artistic vision.

Listeners can expect a fusion of different musical landscapes, with dynamic compositions and technical prowess on the bass. Freysteinn's ability to infuse storytelling elements into his instrumental pieces creates an immersive listening experience.

The album underscores Freysteinn's growth as an artist, exploring new territories while staying true to his artistic identity which rises to the occasion here. The musicians incorporate an animated stylization, complete with lucid imagery on a per-track basis, imparting variable interpretative opportunities to their audience. On the opener "Bylur," they generate an off-center blues vamp, laced with sinister overtones while also straddling the free zone, enhanced by guitarist Hrafnkell Gauti Sigurðarson's discordant phrasing and angst-ridden use of distortion.

Regardless of tempo, the artists usually segue into a consortium of dips and spikes, noticeable on the title track, as they establish a collective persona marked by the leader's straightforward walking bass lines, leading to the frontline's bursting unison choruses. "Priajudagur" begins with a mellow, easy-going pace, textured by the bassist and guitarist's passionate duo interlude, and fired up by tenor saxophonist Helgi R. Heiðarsson's blazing notes and ascending thematic opuses. Drummer Óskar Kjartansson intensifies the undercurrent via asymmetric patterns, consummated by a lighthearted romp towards the close.

The final track "Amilli hiuta" is outlined by Gíslason's broad and punchy lines, followed by a rebel-rousing finale. Indeed, an exceptional band from a faraway place.