On&On

Daniel Blumbergs two devastating 2018 releases, Minus and the earlier-recorded Hebronix album Liv, were harsh, challenging efforts that bore no resemblance to the work of his earlier indie rock groups such as Cajun Dance Party and Yuck. On&On features the same musicians who played on Minus, all regulars at Londons famed avant/improv club Cafe OTO: cellist Ute Kanngiesser, violinist Billy Steiger, double bassist Tom Wheatley, and drummer Jim White (Dirty Three). The release is a song cycle that circles back to certain lyrical and musical themes, but incorporates plenty of improvisation and retains an unsteadiness that constantly keeps it on edge. Recorded by Peter Walsh, the album has an uncomfortably intimate sound, with every scraped string and percussive hit bolting out directly into the listeners eardrums. The records title track threads the album together, appearing four times, each with an extra &On attached, signifying Blumbergs constantly renewed hope for everlasting love. While tracks like the fractured, jarring Sidestep Summer are as uneasy as Blumbergs previous two records, On&On is ultimately much more hopeful, if not quite inviting or accessible. Aside from the recurring title track, Bound is one of the albums more optimistic moments, starting out with an almost breezy guitar melody and switching up halfway through, as Blumberg expresses a desire to be offline together. Silence Breaker, however, is much more unnerving, with Elvin Brandhis auto-tuned wails and screeches adding to the skin-crawling feel of the steely strings and Blumbergs cathartic moaning. Things come to a sort of resolution with closing track Pillow, which reflects on a relationship that seems to be healthy, despite his imperfections. ~ Paul Simpson