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Xavi Reija: The Sound Of The Earth
ByReija's "Deep Ocean" makes a bold opening statement, its heavy riff reinforced by cymbal accents. After an exploratory series of solos, there is a wonderful dramatic pause before the theme returnsan early demonstration of the dynamic contrast that characterizes the session. The first of the collective "The Sound Of The Earth" tracks dials the intensity back with a quiet, atmospheric opening. Levin's bass line sets up the drum entry: before long the rubato feel has been replaced by a gentle groove, with Jevtovic's strangled guitar riding on top as the band builds to a climaxwith lovely soundscaping for a brief tag. Jevtovic's "From Darkness" features call and response between the guitars over a thumping rhythm.
"The Sound Of The Earth II" begins with bass and drums (with brushes), a rhythmic bedrock for the overlapping guitar parts that follow. Reija's "Lovely Place" opens with Jevtovic's guitar, a contemplative sound joined by Reuter's overdriven solo line. Before long the piece develops into one huge buildup, with the guitar finally ending solo. "The Sound Of The Earth IV" is the longest of the collective improvisations, an exploratory trip that could have occupied an entire side on an LP. There is space for soundscapes, an expressive Levin bass solo, and lots of rubato playing by everyone. Which still leaves room for a big drum-driven climax.
The Sound Of The Earth is like a musical buffet, with something for everyone who has a taste for genre-crossing electric music. The Reija/Jevtovic pairing has a history to draw from, as does the Levin/Reuter axisand the combination uncovers a real chemistry. Yet another magical MoonJune session.
Track Listing
Deep Ocean; The Sound Of The Earth I; From Darkness; The Sound Of The Earth II; Serenity; The Sound Of The Earth III; Lovely Place; The Sound Of The Earth IV; Take A Walk.
Personnel
Xavier Reija
drumsXavi Reija: drums; Tony Levin: bass guitar, upright bass, stick; Markus Reuter: touch guitar; Dusan Jevtovic: guitar.
Album information
Title: The Sound Of The Earth | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: MoonJune Records
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