Recognized as a great visionary force in Swiss adventurous jazz, Swiss drummer Manuel Pasquinelli’s AKKU Quintet have been consistently pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted sonic territories since their conception in 2011.
Their hypnotic 5th studio album continues this saga of exploration, designed for the repeat button and powerful speakers. ‘KINEMA’ is set to release on September 8th on Morpheus Records.
Inspired by minimalist jazz with a post-punk touch, the group has been stylistically compared to the likes of King Crimson, Nik Bӓrtsch’s Ronin, Nils Frahm and Steve Reich. Pasquinelli’s compositions celebrate the pleasure of repetition, skillfully weaving complex metric ideas with cyclical rhythmic cells reminiscent of electronic music.
Recorded over three days at Mazzivesound Studio in Bellmund, Switzerland, the record features a combination of intricate compositions and extended passages of daring tension-fueled improvisation. Each track builds on the last, leading the listener deeper and deeper into the enchanting and benevolently dark world of the ensemble.
Heavily distorted guitars, angular atonal melodies, beefy drum grooves, rich synth timbres and glitchy modern production accentuate the quintet’s immersively energetic live performance, conjuring feelings of exploring a strange, supernatural underwater world.
Liner notes by Jazzfuel
credits
released September 15, 2023
Manuel Pasquinelli - Drums
Maja Nydegger - Grand Piano, Keys
Michael Gilsenan - Saxophones & FX
Markus Ischer - Guitar
Andi Schnellmann - Bass
Compositions: Manuel Pasquinelli
Recording and Mix: Chris Diggelmann
Mastering: Serge Christen
Artwork and Logo: Sandro Galli
At first listen, the juxtaposition of Sonar's rhythmic constructions and Torn's soaring, furious/tender voice would by themselves be enough of a pull. But digging beyond the surface will reward the listener greatly. There is great depth, emotional nuance, intrigue and change, rewarding repeated listening. Ref: Miles/80's Crim/Tibbetts, but this is truly new music. grate ape
Excellent album again from Sonar! More "ambiant" and "spatial" sounds. I really enjoy the accumulation of new sounds. The album feel fresh.
Merci! Long live Sonar! ♥️ Jean-Maurice
The Melbourne bassist creates intricate patterns out of marimba and glockenspiel, a rich combo that adds depth and rhythm to his music. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 2, 2024
The bassist who's spent much of his career pushing against jazz traditions finds value in embracing them, to some degree, with a nimble quartet of fellows. Bandcamp Album of the Day Dec 7, 2016
On the first track, the Kronos Quartet plays a composition Stephan Thelen wrote for it. Kronos is and for a long time has been my favorite for contemporary art music. It is very selective about what it chooses to perform, and everything it chooses to perform is well worth listening to. The other three tracks are also superb Thelen compositions, here performed superbly by the Al Pari Quartet. John Simms