Robert Rich & Markus Reuter — Eleven Questions

This collaboration between Robert Rich & Markus Reuter finds the pair stepping away from the ambient creations Rich is more know for into a collection of edgy, cinematic, haunting melodic, sometimes beat-bound and often relative short sound creations to make a fine collection of consistent, emotional charged pieces you’ll want to disappear off into again and again.

The sound here is offten very organic biased with a rich and emotive use of Piano, Flutes, lap Steel, electric & acoustic Guitar - along of course with electronics such as synth, ambient treatments and some very sleek and atmospheric beat weaving. There also a sparing  use of edgy, sensual and dark female singing harmonies there curtsey of SiRenée.

The vibe here stays fairly tense, uneasy and darkly tinged through-out, as ominous bass lines move against  heady beat workings, before slipping into haunted valleys of atmospheric sound dwell. But this never becomes too ambient- it will dwell there for a while before once more picking up it’s uneasy pace.  Black harmonic guitar soloing that chirps and wails around sinster deep synth treatments and melancholy flute hover. Musically there traces of  rock, electronica, dark funk, jazz & of course soundtrack ike air, you can also hear traces of world rhythms with in the beats scapes.

I can really see this appealing to those who enjoy edgy, dark beatscapes of the likes of Massive Attack and Ulver, as well as of course fans of more modern sounding soundtrack work and fine instrumental music. This was a real surprise, a pleasure and very re-playable.