|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
review by Dene Bebbington Electric violinist Chris Murphy has many strings to his bow, including composing for film and TV, producing independent albums, leading a band, and his solo albums. Salton Songs is fifth album, it combines influences of trip hop, acid jazz, downbeat, and Celtic folk music to name but a few. Accompanying him on this album are several other musicians on drums, programming, and bass. The singular and sometimes hypnotic sound of the electric violin, which has the melancholic edge of the cello combined with the faster and higher pitched whine of a violin, takes the lead on this album covering a variety of musical flavours. A pedal board of guitar effects also add to the mix of funkiness, traditional music, and contemporary genres. A track called "Shallow Water" starts the album off. It gets straight into a viscous drum beat and background pads before the violin comes in playing an almost nonchalant melody. The pace slowly picks up to eventually end with fast percussion and fiery electric guitar like riffs which finally give way to the original melody and pace. A few tracks in and "Cane Sugar" sees the music flavoured with Eastern promise. Refrains sounding like they're played on a Middle Eastern pipe instrument, snaking tunes, and hand beaten drums are assisted by subtle tambourine sounds in a fast moving piece which veers into some kind of tribal techno territory in parts. The next track "Propane" leads the listener to a false conclusion of what is to follow as rhythms and beats start up with mysterious violin musings, then the violin bursts into a Celtic style tune - I could imagine being in an Irish bar listening to local performers striking up an impromptu session. Over eleven tracks (all under eight minutes long) we experience different styles as exemplified by those tracks I mentioned. Salton Songs sure is one of the more interesting, albeit unusual, albums to have come my way recently. Those who like their music lively and enjoy aspects of world music coupled with modern treatments might want to give it a try. |
|
