QUIVER

When I saw the lineup of this project, I was intrigued: The capable Pat Mastelotto doing what he does best behind the kit and Trey Gunn popping out oodles of notes on his Warr guitar. Fair enough- but then there's this guy named Kimmo Pohjonen, whom I'd never heard of- and what is his main instrument? I wasn't altogether sure what business an accordion had among the likes of Gunn and Mastelotto, but one of Pohjonen's goals has been to expand the sonic capabilities of the accordion, and in so doing, changing the way the instrument is viewed. In that, he does not fail. In this recording he creates sounds that one might say cannot possibly be from that maligned instrument, including a harmonica, synthesizer, and a church organ. For those seeking something a little different, this may be just what the doctor ordered. It isn't spectacular, but it's definitely worth checking out.

"Fragile Sun" The introductory track consists of the calm music of the accordion.

" Kataklasm" High-pitched tones with the accordion piping in now and again begin with a deceptive introduction. The heavily distorted guitars and powerful drumming form the basis for what sounds like a church organ in a demonic cathedral.

"Nano" Over a galloping rhythm, the accordionist plays a creative series of chords just before the piece turns into something darkly exotic. Over sparse instrumentation, what sounds like bells ring out a sinister melody.

"Quiver" This piece blends a more electronic flavor a la Ozric Tentacles with something more akin to Celtic music. It also features a growling, fiery guitar solo.

"Purga" Ominous, ambient sounds and quiet percussion sound like some malevolence lurking in the woods unseen- the only solace is the light of the accordion. The piece is almost tribal, complete with organic percussion and chanting voices.

"Womb" That mournful accordion, accompanied only by what sounds closer to a contrabass being abused, makes up this sparse track. In my mind these sounds evoke what I can only describe as watching- in hindsight- people happily board the Titanic.

"Wasabi Fields" Using a more traditional accordion tone and musical structure, this piece is perhaps the most accessible of the bunch, maintaining ever-so-slight Italian nuances.

"Jacaranda" The album changes feel with this spunky piece, which begins with a snappy Warr guitar introduction, but a drum solo consumes much of the second half.

"Aorta" After a hard-hitting, staccato introduction, the music becomes heavier, and I must say, a bit hard to follow. This is my least favorite on the album- almost headache-inducing.

"Miasmaa" On the other hand, this is one of my favorites here. This has a decidedly symphonic structure, almost making me think of Kansas with an accordion in lieu of a violin. It's hard-hitting and majestic all at once.

"Snow Reader" The final track has a light, spacey opening. I feel like this piece would have been much better suited toward the beginning- after the previous track, this one seems dull and uninspired, even though on its own, it's a delicate and enjoyable work.