Cracks

Bendik Giske plays the saxophone in a highly physical manner, employing circular breathing techniques and using his body as a vessel to channel unseen forces. While his music is impressive, its hard to hear it without being reminded of Colin Stetsons solo work, as hes been exploring a similar path since his New History Warfare releases. Giskes playing doesnt get quite as abrasive, however -- theres something about it that seems more intimate, and perhaps more vulnerable. His pieces are also more informed by dance, from the traditions he practiced growing up in both Bali and Oslo to the club culture he encountered in his adopted home of Berlin, particularly when he first visited techno institution Berghain. The ten-minute Cruising has a circular rhythm shaped by the clacking of Giskes keys against his instrument, but otherwise fluidly shifting without bounds. Andre Brattens spacious production leads the sound into different corners of the speakers, creating audio smoke trails. He seems to dissolve Giskes playing altogether on Cracks, a stunning dark ambient drone that seems to emanate from the far corners of a cave. Matter (Part 3) is more direct, with Giske creating an unsteady pulse and wheezing out heaves of breath, and Bratten slightly drawing out some of the notes with delay effects. Cracks is an illuminating exploration of cyclical energy, both inside and outside the body. ~ Paul Simpson