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MINUA: In Passing
ByAs the title implies, the opener "Sequence" is pattern music. The two guitars are joined by bass clarinetist Fabian Willmann's key clicks, resulting in a surprisingly percussive sound for a group with no percussionist. It's very much a chamber jazz sound otherwise, with electronic effects used sparingly.
It's not until the third track, title tune "In Passing," that an over-driven guitar is finally heard. It plays lines in unison with the clarinet, then there's a striking electronic soundscape coda to end the piecea notable contrast to the acoustic sound up to then. "Þunnur" uses some electronic swells to add to the texture as the other guitar accompanies the clarinet's melody line; and "Brennivín" shows the group's sensitivity to dynamics, as soft, melodic music moves into clarinet squeals and loud distorted guitar, finally giving way to a quiet ending. The set closes with "N57," a singing, ballad-like tune.
At thirty-four minutes this set would have to be considered an EP by contemporary standards. But there's something to be said for brevity, and for quality rather than quantity. MINUA's debut is a very satisfying listening experience.
Track Listing
Sequence; 47; In Passing; Þunnur; Brennivín; Ed Lik Mil; N57.
Personnel
Fabian Willmann: bass clarinet; Luca Aaron: guitar; Kristinn Smári Kristinsson: guitar.
Album information
Title: In Passing | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced
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