DEERAND

It is not a common thing for me to review an album from an Iranian artist or band, but when a label like Moonjune Recordscares to share music with no boundaries, music from all over the world, we can get closer to countries that might not be really known to us, which is why Moonjune plays a big role in world music nowadays, and we have to thank them for that.

This is why Quartet Diminished came to me, because to be honest, I did not know them until 2024 with the released of 'Deerand', the fourth studio album from this four-piece band from Iran. The album has also the participation of two guest monster musicians: Tony Levin and Markus Reuter, so be prepared for a great musical and cultural journey throughout four compositions. It kicks-off with the amazing and ambitious title-track, 'Deerand', a 25-minute epic that is divided in four parts, where we can be delighted by an exquisite mixture of jazz, avant-garde, classical music, and even a bit of rock. The first part is like an enigmatic entrance, like an introduction where we are getting to know them and there are some moments of uncertainty and insecurity, soft elements, subtle music, however, they are ready to break the ice. And when they do it we are initializing the second part of this epic track, the change is evident, faster rhythm, more musical elements, drums, tension and rock, some Crimsonian winks, prog rock nuances, a faster journey that will bring vertiginous emotions. The piano work is exquisite, hypnotizing, but strings and drums wonderfully complement each other with atmospheric nuances and avant-garde tunes here and there, with even some great guitar solos which bring more energy to the already extraordinary experience.

The third part of the epic starts with a guitar riff that is immediately joined by drums, bass and clarinet, in which, to my ears is a great example of avant-garde / RIO music; Rouzbeh Fadavi makes a great job with drumming style, odd-time-signatures, tons of figures, and also lots of emotions. The contrast comes when drums vanishes and Mazyar Younesi's piano takes over, creating a jazzy / classical episode. But a minute later, Soheil Peghambari on sax and, of course, Ehesan Sadigh on guitar join and all together begin to build up a new structure, a fresh multi- cultural and musical journey. In some moments the name of After Crying came to my mind. The last part of 'Deerand' is the quietest of them all, like after the storm comes the calm, so you can close your eyes, sit down, relax and enjoy the music, I bet you will feel satisfied.

'Tehran II' brings more fire with its 14 minutes in which we are wonderfully embraced by the quartet's charm. Atmospheric minutes, some soundscapes and bass clarinet, subtle guitar notes here and there, a dose of tranquility, however, there are somber episodes that may modify the mood, a couple of explosions where drama is added, and though the song is long, it flows so when you think it will take off, it is actually finishing.

'Mirrorside' creates a unison sound with strings and piano, while soundscapes are placed as background. While the seconds pass, it seems to be repetitive, however, the passages never sound the same, because new figures and elements are being played so each round has its own authenticity. It is progressing little by little, adding new nuances and emotions, making us float somehow.

And the album finishes with 'Allegro per il ré' which is an amazing track. Tense piano notes in a RIO vein, Chapman Sitck, bass clarinet, guitar, like After Crying meets King Crimson meets Univers Zero. There are no moments of silence, the quartet and guess musicians always are delivering delicious notes that are stuck with us, I mean, they are able to hypnotize us. After three minutes drums appear and the rhythm changes, becomes a bit more dramatic, faster, full of elements, enthralling. There are some changes in tempo and mood, but the exquisite music prevails during the whole track. Delicious.

A great album, better if you listen to it with headphones, guarantee of a great experience.

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