Zygoma - "Pankow 2002"
(Orphan Sounds 2002, 009)
Zygoma - "Pankow 2002"
(Orphan Sounds 2002, 009)
From Aural Innovations #22 (January 2003)
Recorded in Berlin in 2002, Zygoma is the trio of Jeff Gburek on guitar and electronics, Michael Vorfeld on percussion and Michael Walz on electronics. The CD is only 26 minutes long, but the musicians speak volumes as they take the listener on a voyage into atmosphere and sound. The music can be harsh but some of the most interesting moments are the quiet ones, during which each participant focuses on the careful creation of sounds, patterns and textures that make subtle though strong sonic statements. I like the avant-garde chamber music feel that we hear at times, though there are also some freakier moments where the electronics dominate and it sounds perhaps a bit like Concert for Comet Kahoutek era Sun Ra. The tension continually builds and recedes throughout the 19 minute opening track, the trio always pulling back before the rising mercury ever has a chance to explode. This is a fine quality live recording and it's easy to key in on each musicians contribution. The second track is a dark powerhouse jam that straddles the line between avant-garde free-improv, rock and free-jazz. A very intense piece that left me drained but more than satisfied. This is a damn fine performance and includes some of the best guitar playing and sound wrenching from Gburek I've heard yet. Highly recommended.
For more information you can visit the Orphan Sounds web site at: http://www.djalma.com.
Contact via snail mail c/o Jeff Gburek; 601 11th St NW; Albuquerque, NM 87102.
Reviewed by Jerry Kranitz