Musica Non Grata is the second release in Jazkamer‘s 2010 monthly series, and the CD has three long tracks. To make it clear and save you wasting time reading further: this is a study in feedback! Those who are still reading might like to know that this full length CD from the trio again being Lasse Marhaug, John Hegre and Jean-Philippe Gross, is very much different from last month’s Solitary Nail. When the latter was one 30 minute track of cut and paste, Musica Non Grata is slowly moving, changing over long periods of time, making the change barely noticable.
The first track “Honda Sound Works” is more than 30 minutes of high pitch guitar, synth and electronic feedback. By insanely slowly altering the sounds, they make the track go on for the full 30+ minutes, and making it sound right. It is not very wide-ranging, and the sound stays for most of the track up in the high frequency range, making it challenging to follow all the way. Next up is the title track, starting off where the first finished, but here the track is coloured by lower frequency sounds making it very much “easier listening.” Sometimes a mid ranging squeal is mixed in the background. It is however very industrial sounding, and sounds of circular saw and various powertools appear, although I think none of them were ever used. Last track “Feedback Fans” is a more evident guitar based track, although I suspect other sound sources are used. By pounding, hitting or touching the guitar in some way, a slow rhythm appears from time to time, making the track vary more. The second half of the track is also less full on, and the study of feedback becomes even more evident.
So, was February an easy month? It certainly wasn’t bright, but Musica Non Grata has made more turns than normal and made my life brighter and easier in comparison. Musica Non Grata is also worth a try if you think the world of feedback needs further explorations.
-Ronny Wærnes-
