Manitoba: Up in flames
Have you ever wondered what kind of music Mozart, Beethoven or Wagner would be composing if they were alive today and had access to the myriad of music mixing and recording technology now available? Perhaps they might dive headfirst into experimentation. Manitoba (www.manitoba.fm) is essentially a one-man band in the genre that some might label electronic music. However much of its music is generated using acoustic instruments and decidedly low-tech sounds. Up in Flames resists classification into any musical category. The album contains some of the ‘catchy’ elements of pop, a few improvisational elements of jazz and the complex layering, sampling and looping found in electronica. It's actually a massive, complexly layered piece of audio performance art. True, there are discrete tracks on the album, but they are not structured linearly. Large, full-volume sounds predominate, continuously accented by complex audio subtleties. Of course, these sounds spring to life when heard through headphones.
All of the album's tracks are interesting. For me, two were standouts: Skunks and Bijoux. Skunks begins with an acoustic guitar loop, which is continually layered with harmonicas, percussion (particularly cymbals) and even frog croaks. These sounds constantly evolve, and then when it seems as if the song might become predictable, an improv jazz saxaphone crashes into the song; taking the lead until the track's end. Bijoux begins with the delicate tinkling of wind chimes and then explodes into innumerable sounds. The chimes remain throughout the song, while voices weave in and out, as do flutes, woodwinds and drums.
Up in Flames might demand a little more from the listener. However, this is a tremendous album that reveals fascinating musical elements with each listen. If you find yourself alone one evening and desire to experience truly unique, modern music, put this album on. Plug in your headphones and be transported away to someplace entirely different.
Have a listen here.
Recent Comments