Intermission 2000-2008

Intermission 2000-2008 features Oren Ambarchi reaching for the bottom drawer, compiling rarities and odd tracks. Rest assured, though, that these are not substandard pieces, not by a long shot. Four of the five lengthy numbers included on this CD have been previously available on compilation CDs or limited-edition vinyl. Out of these, the most notable are "Intimidator," a quietly rumbling minimalist affair also featuring Anthony Pateras on prepared piano and first released as a bonus track on the two-LP version of Ambarchi's album In the Pendulum's Embrace, and "A Final Kiss on Poisoned Cheeks," a dark yet serene extended track featuring a live guitar improvisation (extremely ambient) with overdubbed bells and "motorised cymbal," originally released as a limited 12" on Table of the Elements. However, the highlight of Intermission is the one track that was previously unheard: "Iron Waves," a remix of a Paul Duncan song ("Parasail," from Above the Trees), although "remix" is not enough to describe the extent of Ambarchi's reworking (with added guitars, bells, and cymbals) around Duncan's rapturing vocal track. This CD has less thematic unity than Ambarchi's previous albums for Touch, namely Suspension and Grapes from the Estate, but it still offers an intense and immersive listening experience. And considering all the other compilation tracks from that time frame he had to choose from, thematic unity, artistic coherence, and listening curve are clearly all factors that played into the track selection. ~ Francois Couture