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Max Kutner: Partial Custody
Having previously dipped his toes into the avant-garde pool with the enigmatic Kutner's Evil Genius, known for their sonic experimentation, the artist now embarks on a new venture that defies easy categorization. He aptly intimates that Partial Custody is not just a title, but a phrase ingrained in his psyche since childhood, resonating with echoes of past turmoil and strife from his parent's divorce. Yet, from this personal wellspring emerges a mosaic of sound that transcends boundaries and expectations.
The album is an aural expedition; each track has a hidden corner of the mind waiting to be explored. On the opener, "Whatever Else the News Has Planned," Kutner's haunting chords intertwine with Ben Stapp's tuba, creating a symphony of despair that gradually morphs into an enthusiastic whirlwind of improvisation and rhythmic complexity, propelled by James Paul Nadien's dynamic drumming.
"Dancing to the Deadbeat" takes a darker turn, with Stapp's tuba morphing into a haunting EFX-driven backdrop against Nadien's gong cymbals as Kutner unleashes a barrage of fuzz-toned fury, culminating in a cathartic release of sonic energy that borders on the apocalyptic. The album's centerpiece, "Jet Plane," unfolds like a cosmic journey, spanning 24 minutes where worlds collide and boundaries blur.
In sum, the album is an invitation to immerse oneself in divergent musical vistas. Throughout, Kutner proves himself not just as a musician, but as a storyteller, tapping into the raw, primal depths of human experience and translating them into a mesmerizing musical odyssey. It is a testament to his skill as a songwriter, as he effortlessly channels the deepest, most primal emotions into music that is both relatable and transformative. So, buckle up and let Kutner take you on a wild ride through the realms of sound.
Track Listing
Whatever Else the News Has Planned; Going; Exaggeration Holmes; The Bell Mimic; Bone Jump; Dancing To The Dead Beat; Jet Plane.
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
Max Kutner: keyboards, samples, objects; Ben Stapp: tuba with and without implements; James Paul Nadien: glockenspiel.
Album information
Title: Partial Custody | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Orenda Records
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