Tin Drum Stories

The first four tracks were "inspired" by Gunter Grass' novel Tin Drum Stories, although the connection is not likely to be apparent to many listeners. There is a minimalist, even inert quality to some of the cuts, though others evidence much greater creativity. Willers is attempting to do something different, and his abstractions on electric guitar contrast with Horst Nonnenmacher's subtle, sometimes droning string bass, while Michael Griener's trap set springs forward with clever rumblings and pointed outbursts. At times, there is a frustrating sameness that pours forth like hot lava, but very slowly it evolves into something more active. The listener's patience may run out, but for those who persist there are many rewarding moments. Willers displays a rare ability to pick his strings like a horn though not nearly with the same technical fluency of, say, a Joe Morris. Rather, Willers focuses on different strategies that point to, without quite affirming, alternative paths. ~ Steven Loewy