"quasiMODAL" is only $15.00CAN plus taxes and shipping!

The debut release by quasiMODAL is a prime example of both the talent and the collaborative nature of the music scene that's developed around Toronto's AMBiENT PiNG. Featuring Cheryl O on cello, treatments and loops, Steven Sauve of karmafarm and Sylken on synth, piano and loops, Michael Keith (one half of MCF) on guitar, banjo, vocal stylings and more, and Matthew Paulakakis (aka Automatic Fats) on piano, bass, guitar etc., it's a veritable who's who of local ambient/improvisational artists! Showcasing a collection of pieces recorded at a variety of sessions, including a performance this year at the AMBiENT PiNG, this disc captures the sound of four brilliant talents perfectly aligned with eachother in the spirit of creation.

"Mr K Dreams the Truth" opens the disc with a duel of cello and guitar, spurred on by piano and bass. An improvisational tour de force highlighting the various talents assembled.

Track two "Left of Spring" features a similar frenetic energy, albeit more focussed, more directed towards the idea of spinning a tale, weaving a yarn. Building to an inspired ending reflecting intensity and madness, "Left of Spring" is a fantastic piece of aural story telling.

"Luminal" plays along a more delicate path, a beautiful piece bringing to mind the calm untroubled flight of a butterfly, wind both aiding and hindering it's journey through the sky. Some very nice bass work in this one, very sublime playing.

The amusingly titled "New Adventures With Buzz & Klik" is a brilliant example of processed loops, feedback and remodelled sounds all brought together in a seemingly random pattern that slowly builds into a form of reason and purpose. A beautiful piano melody dances along the edges of the track while drones rise and fall, buzzes whirr and click, and a thousand (or maybe only just one) other tones compete for your attention. What an incredible track!

Now. Let us turn our attention to "In the Guinea Pig Cage". It opens with Michael's vocals backed by a slow build of piano, cello and more all rising towards a frenetic and fantastic swell that ebbs and flows for a spell before gradually calming and breaking into segments showcasing each member of the ensemble. I think this piece might well be the quintESENTIAL (quintiMODAL?) track, truly highlighting the ability of these artists to work together as a group and as individuals within that group. Truly a testimony to the skill and musicality of it's collected members.

Without doubt, quasiMODAL is something special, something worth discovering for yourself. If you've been lucky enough to see one of their performances then surely you already know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, then this disc is a great introduction to their work, sure to make you a fan.

rik - ping things