The album opener "Antlia" makes the sharp stylistic change immediately apparent. Vibraphone, strings (violinists Modney and Pala Garcia, violist Kyle Ambrust, and cellist Michael Nicolas), piano (Sylvie Courvoisier), drums (John Hollenbeck), guitar (Miles Okazaki), bass (Kim Cass), and electronics (Artktureye) play distinct phrases that interlock into a mesmerizing beat. Looping collective rhythm provides a hypnotic base for captivating exchanges between Brennan and Okazaki, who venture into compelling interpolations of the theme. Brennan shines with an impressive, kaleidoscopic solo with a beautiful use of descending chords.
After "Antlia", the band drifts into the ethereal "Aquarius". The ambiance is established with soothing electronics, piano, and delicately bowed and plucked strings. Cass, Okazaki, and Brennan add sublime cascading phrases before the guitarist and vibraphonist take the spotlight with a spellbinding motif. Brennan and Okazaki lead the way with a strong duo improvisation. Regardless of whether the two are contrasting rigidness with fluidity or juxtaposing ascending and descending passages, their excellent chemistry is always apparent.
The enchanting "Aquarius" is not an anomaly - Of The Near And Far is an otherworldly, cinematic album. "Aquarius" and "When You Stare Into The Abyss" evoke images of floating through space. The latter has a surreal atmosphere that lives up to its name thanks to an entrancing combination of synths, electronic beeps, and the metallic ring of bowed vibraphone. “When You Stare Into The Abyss” reaches staggering levels of beauty in its second half with an absorbing string arrangement that strikes an uncanny balance between lush and eerie. The experimental "Citlalli" is another spacey tune with bright tones, haunting strings, and warped effects that plunge the record into a psychedelic dimension.
Of The Near And Far is full of fascinating progressive tunes that patiently build to extraordinary heights. Each composition features significant stylistic shifts, and "Andromeda" demonstrates that the band is equally capable of providing non-stop adrenaline. It's Brennan in rock mode - strings turn her frantic motif into a storm that evolves into electrifying solos drenched in distortion. Listening to the crucial role strings have on "Andromeda" and the rest of the album, it's hard to believe that this is Brennan's first time recording her own string arrangements. Then again, a lot of Of The Near And Far may not be expected, even by those familiar with her discography. The scope of Brennan’s vision continues to evolve in astonishing ways on Of The Near And Far. Every track is essential - it’s a must-listen for anyone interested in creative music.
After "Antlia", the band drifts into the ethereal "Aquarius". The ambiance is established with soothing electronics, piano, and delicately bowed and plucked strings. Cass, Okazaki, and Brennan add sublime cascading phrases before the guitarist and vibraphonist take the spotlight with a spellbinding motif. Brennan and Okazaki lead the way with a strong duo improvisation. Regardless of whether the two are contrasting rigidness with fluidity or juxtaposing ascending and descending passages, their excellent chemistry is always apparent.
The enchanting "Aquarius" is not an anomaly - Of The Near And Far is an otherworldly, cinematic album. "Aquarius" and "When You Stare Into The Abyss" evoke images of floating through space. The latter has a surreal atmosphere that lives up to its name thanks to an entrancing combination of synths, electronic beeps, and the metallic ring of bowed vibraphone. “When You Stare Into The Abyss” reaches staggering levels of beauty in its second half with an absorbing string arrangement that strikes an uncanny balance between lush and eerie. The experimental "Citlalli" is another spacey tune with bright tones, haunting strings, and warped effects that plunge the record into a psychedelic dimension.
Of The Near And Far is full of fascinating progressive tunes that patiently build to extraordinary heights. Each composition features significant stylistic shifts, and "Andromeda" demonstrates that the band is equally capable of providing non-stop adrenaline. It's Brennan in rock mode - strings turn her frantic motif into a storm that evolves into electrifying solos drenched in distortion. Listening to the crucial role strings have on "Andromeda" and the rest of the album, it's hard to believe that this is Brennan's first time recording her own string arrangements. Then again, a lot of Of The Near And Far may not be expected, even by those familiar with her discography. The scope of Brennan’s vision continues to evolve in astonishing ways on Of The Near And Far. Every track is essential - it’s a must-listen for anyone interested in creative music.
