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analysis w/e 14.5.11 |
DVDs out 9.5.11 |
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@ DVDfever Youtube |
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May 11 2011 
DVDfever co uk
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Sonic gem... from Canadian 6-pack. As the by-product of Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre have gone for a very different sound altogether. In many ways it has a Beirut ‘chamber music’ feel to it. AF members Richard Reed Parry, Sarah Neufield and Pietro Amato unleash their explorations scaling the various forms of classical music along with non-traditional forms creating an often edgy but expansive soundscape. It feels like the kitchen sink has been thrown in, such is the freewheeling nature of this exquisite As Seen Through Windows, though it has to be said, I’m not exactly sure of the music target. As a purely instrumental album, it comes as a welcomed delight. BO are venturing into new territory here away from the indie pop success of AF with a massive infusion of organic flavours that would even make the classical aficionados sit up and listen, such is the brilliance of this often lofty affair. Fearless in every department, even down to the extraordinary production values steered by tweeker John McEntire, each track is careful crafted to bring out the best in the instrumentation. Some task. Its pseudo-classical overtones are found on opener Stripes, at track that builds up into a mini-opus all of its own. Clattering percussion and drone-like horn blasts set an ominous tone which disappointing does come to anything like a whopping crescendo.
Elephants, with snorting horns and sound effects spans nigh-on nine minutes. After a short string dip, the paces gathers menacingly to the mid-point then explodes with crashing cymbals and wiry violin virtually emulating the plodding pace of an, well, elephant. Icicles/Bicycles is a tender and fragile piece threaded by a piano loop, violin and brass gradually building into a symphonic crescendo whereas Bucephalus …has a quirky cacophonous jazz flavour morphing into an urgent pace to close. The Gaze is a rush of blood from all musicians, giving a nod to east European gypsy touchstones. The coolest track is the jazz infused Dark Lights. The opening upright bass leads to sumptuous brass and strings giving it a gypsy-like quality, sustained throughout the near six minutes. Closer Air Lines/Land Lines masterfully combines classical elements with more gypsy overtones via violin strokes by Sarah Neufield – a gorgeous mini-opus indeed. The verdict – Spectacular.
Weblinks: michaeljanisch.com / myspace.com/michaeljanisch Website – www.bellorchestre.com www.arts-crafts.ca
The full list of tracks included are :
As of April 2009, Blu-rays and DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TH-37PX80B 37" Plasma TV with a Sony BDP-1500 Blu-ray player and played through a Yamaha DSP-AX820 amplifier. PC games reviewed by the editor are on:
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
