AKKU Quintet: Live

The album opens with a drum / percussion groove, the music is open, spacious and atmospheric. A basic structure of foundation is created, and then there are subtle layers from the other instruments that slowly are added and continue to grow. This is definitely mood music, turn out the lights, and let the music envelop you. It is rich, and takes its time exposing itself. As the opening track "Waves" continues to evolve, it morphs into an almost space-rock vibe, with a nice guitar solo and with the help keyboards and horns it begins to take off, and the hauntingly beautiful piano that ends the track is gorgeous and effective. "Polar" features a hypnotic piano riff that the guitar and horns play off of quite wonderfully. It is amazing that something so simple can turn into such a beautiful piece of music. But wait, there is a darkness that begins to creep in and the song transitions but yet maintains its beauty. This is definitely a put the headphones on, turn out the lights, and whatever might put you in the mood to sit back absorb, and listen. "Deep Sleep I" finds its legs and begins to propel itself forward with the drums driving, keyboards and guitar working together to take you on a journey. It's almost odd when you hear the clapping at the end, it kind of pulls you out and reinforces that this is live. "Scheneemann" begins with a hypnotic piano motif and drum beat that suddenly pulls back, but adds horns to create a different vibe from the intro, and then the guitar creeps in adding more to the mix. Things get a bit off kilter as the song continues to morph, the organ builds from behind, and another hypnotic trance like motif carries the song.

This is all about soundscapes, atmospheres, and moods. You definitely need to be in the right frame of mind for this type of music, but it is not background music, take the time to sit and absorb it. You could put it on one day, and think, what the hell am I listening to, and the next day it connects with you.

Track List:
1) Waves
2) Polar
3) Deep Sleep I
4) Schneemann
5) Deep Sleep II

Added: September 21st 2022
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 393
Language: english

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