Five years on from their debut album ‘No Fiction Now!’, Fiium Shaarrk, the trio of Rudi Fischerlehner(drums),Maurizio Ravalico (percussion) and Isambard Khroustaliov (electronics) return with their second album; “We Are Astonishingly Lifelike”. The album documents various stages in the recent life of this continent-scattered ensemble, and was written and recorded in different studios between Berlin, London and various other European cities that have hosted the band for festivals and concerts.
Giving the fact that the two drumming gents both completed architectural studies would put some new light on that far from usual sonic proposition. Reviewing recently Khroustaliov’s colaboration with Tom Arthus I am well aware of his capabilities.
All seven titles on this recording comes with some memory notes which suppose to constitute the way that listener would deal with this sonic universe presented here , but TBH I would live it for everyone to explore for himself as words tend to have a different meaning to all of us . So do sounds. And here sounds are challenging, just like the cubic spirit of Architecture is.
As I mentioned above the drumming here has just such character. It is a conversation of two voices on one hand . On the other they are like two monologues. But it still counts as a verbal alike sort of communication. Or at least an attempt of having one. Sound is very spacious and keeps flying and changing directions. Lots of that is probably trafficked like that by Isambard who is a kind of director for this spectacle. But solo voices of the two gentleman have both its own distinctive tone.
The music is full of re-verbs, remixes and changing tempos. It is mostly very rich and incredibly engaging and absorbing. If you loose your spot you more likely fall into the noise. But you can climb back soon. As it also has some melodic side. More calm and relaxed when you can actually rest and regain your powers back. I tried different approaches with this multi-layered tissues and I must admit that it never brings you back to the same place.
It all depends on the mood of course and it is also a little bit like a light trapped in the complex building. It meets edges and and smooth surfaces. It sometimes soaks silky gentle way inside of the passed by layers. Other times it bends sharp. It forges the shape on the resistive contour. Catapults on that or decays gently fading.
Needless to say it is very narrative too. Those like myself ,who’ve grown on Laurie Anderson , Brian Eno , Harry Parch or Pierre Dørge like will trace a lot of influence coming from these directions. Other might hear a spirit of Cage or Hovhaness in it too. And it will be equally accurate.
This music is not for everyone, but it is brilliant and those who dare to listen to it will be greatly rewarded. More of that they will be coming back for more. Just like I do.