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Drummer/percussionist Zlatko Kaučič and pianist Agusti Fernández are hardcore improvisers. Their phrasing is spontaneous and motivated by off-the-cuff impulses and spur-of-the-moment ideas. Their latest collaboration Sonic Party channels a stream of consciousness narration that is purely of their own making, fashioned from the duo’s creative urges to express itself, and limited by its inclination to explore uncharted terrain. It is uncharted stratospheres which is the key factor compelling Kaučič and Fernández to compose.
The stucco beats of the keys in “Sirob” are layered in vibrating percussions, creating passages of terrestrial-style chimes which transition into the brisk clopping of drum sticks and shimmering echoes. Resounding with the ping of taut strings and the syncopated clashing of mallets against tinpans, “Free Nest” amasses a playground of various percussive sounds moving freely and sowing liberally. The rapid jostling of the keys intercede the passages of percussive beating, culminating into a volcano-size fusion of arbitrary notes and improvisations emoting subliminal thoughts.
Kaučič’s imagination is infinite, and is depicted by the diverse percussive sounds and shifting rhythmic patterns of “Monde.” Fernández displays an equally uninhibited flow of ideas in “The Hug” as he moves the keys erratically driven by a formidable passion. Notes are jagged and crisp, slicing and slashing randomly.
“Us and Other’s” progresses slowly and steadily, opening with tapping clicks and soft-sounding keys which merge into the title track that is draped in the dissonant tones of the keys and jutting percussion instruments. The duo roams with a whimsical stride, making the arrangements seem chaotic but always within their control while propelling one another to think in unconventional terms. Unconventional is the dominant force driving the duo as their collaboration surges with creative juices.
Sonic Party embraces experimental phrasing and terrestrial-style chimes and vibrations. The compositions are expressions of the duo’s own creation, motivated by a desire to explore uncharted sounds and irregular rhythmic patterns. It is a recording that expands the borders of improvisational music and freestyle jazz.
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