Kastning, Kevin: Ethereal II

I’ve lost count on the number of albums released by guitarist Kevin Kastning. Sometimes solo, other times with guests. This time around the experimental Contra guitarist is joined by Sándor Szabó (electric guitar, electric baritone guitar) and Balázs Major (drums and percussion).

Ethereal II is certainly an appropriate title for this music as that really is what you can expect here. Atmospheric and esoteric, Kastning and his friends go for a very much experimental approach which you can hear on the first track “Arrival (Second Recall)�. The layered guitar lines and varied textures with a multiple hue of colours is impressive. Sometimes fluid, sometimes much more jarring, this is an unusual and creative piece. Lots of different techniques can be heard in the playing. Slightly atonal and improvised, “Ethereality I� is another trippy atmospheric piece with a sparser arrangement and off kilter instrumentation. “Hollow Sky� is quite a peaceful track, very slow paced but with some fast guitar runs. The sounds gets a bit ominous with some deep low end. And that's what the rest of the CD brings, very moody and esoteric instrumental music.

If you are familiar with Kastning’s work you will know his music is very slow moving with many ambient moments. I have to be in a certain mood to listen to Kastning’s music but when I just want to completely zone out Ethereal II will likely fit that bill.

Track Listing:
1. Arrival (Second Recall) (10:23)
2. Ethereality I (6:18)
3. Hollow Sky (6:51)
4. Ethereality II (7:27)
5. Supernal Vapor (4:01)
6. Ethereality III (7:17)
7. Portals I (8:52)
8. Portals II (7:00)
9. Third Departure (8:37)

Added: February 28th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 818
Language: english

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