ORGANIC NOISES

— First review of this album —

Following the release of their eponymous debut studio album, band members and husband and wife duo, Robert and Karolina Wiercioch, left to pursue work on their concurrent efforts with their other band, The Segue. Organic Noises then replaced electric guitarist Robert Wiercioch with Maciek Salus on acoustic guitar, while Karolina's keyboard parts were distributed amongst the remaining musicians -- and to great effect.

This album, reCreation Live, consists mostly of previously recorded and performed compositions, but rearranged, re-imagined, and reCreated to fill the voids of departed Karolina and Robert. While I miss their jazzy guitar and keyboard elements, the newly rearranged material sounds even more cohesive and organic than before. Maciek's guitar play is downright sensational, and his acoustic sound feels like a more natural complement to their Eastern European ethnic-infused music. Karolina's keyboard parts were picked up by Zofia on duduk, Joanna on violin, and even Marcin on bass. Synth backing elements were added (by Marcin), and Joanna's prior acoustic violin gets an occasional electrified touch. While the material is old, the sound is new, alluring, and captivating. Interested listeners are strongly encouraged to seek out the YouTube videos of these live tracks to further enhance their experience. This is an excellent addition to any prog rock music collection. Four stars.

Imagine yourself lying on the grassy foothills of an Eastern European mountain side. You're listening to Jeff Beck, Lizzie Ball, and Tal Wilkenfeld strutting their jazzy grooves on your boombox, when a couple of nearby herdsmen, upon hearing said music, pause their sheep and goat tending to jam along with their woodwind instruments. Their daughters, once playing nearby, come over to sing along in their native Balkan language. A cool blend of jazz-backed ethnic prog echoes forth throughout the valley. Welcome to the feeling and sounds of Organic Noises -- a blend of traditional ethnic instruments (duduk, zurna, shvi) and modern instruments (electric violin, electric guitar, bass, keyboard/synth) -- alternating between the sublime and energetic, ancient and modern. The band channels the sounds and energies of Eastern European, Balkan, and Armenian traditions. Fans of Azigza, Beats Antique, The Moon and the Nightspirit, and Tunderground will find much to like here.

Band members, all accomplished graduates of European music academies, have garnered numerous music awards and nominations. Members Karolina Wiercioch (keys) and Robert Wiercioch (guitar) would later depart and go on to form The Seque with guest bassist Jan Kozlinski.

Well done, and thoroughly enjoyable, especially if you like ethnically influenced prog. A great addition to any prog collection. Four stars.