Interactive Play: Your Modern/ Contemporary Faves

Jeremias Keller: Silicium

Keller is well-known in the Swiss contemporary music scene but I’m not familiar with his solo work.

In the video description another Swiss musician, Nik Bärtsch is named as a co-author of his solo album, Alloy. I learned from Keller’s website that the music is based on musical modules by Nik Bärtsch, which he used and reinterpreted in his own way. I am impressed by the musical richness and intensity of the chosen instrumental piece, especially considering that Keller played all the instruments and produced the album all by himself. Also, I have learned that “Alloy” is a concept album which makes me even more curious to listen to the whole album.

Bärtsch is a prominent figure in the Swiss music scene, and is known also beyond the country’s borders. He is the band leader of Ronin, an experimental band where Keller plays bass. Sometime ago I attended a concert of theirs. I can highly recommend them if you ever get the chance.

Infinien: Ascent 

Indeed, an outstanding and musically complex piece! Far from the typical prog rock sound we can hear in “Ascent” a classical piano run accompanied by symphonic instrumentation paired with prog rock and a discreet influence of jazz. I am not necessarily a fan of opulent and dramatic music, but this piece also has a certain lightness, especially through the instrumentation and the way the classical instruments are used.

La théorie des cordes: Alp - Le Colosse d'Anatolie

A rich and well-crafted prog rock piece with strong influences of jazz rock.Their sound is reminiscent of various well-known 70s prog and jazz-fusion bands, but this element of oriental music makes their sound very special and unique.

Musical diversity and an innovative spirit are something I particularly appreciate. Moreover, the latter is the actual theme of this poll, at least as I understand it. So even though the following two tracks don't quite convince me musically, I still want to give them my vote. If I could give to my top favourites two votes each and to my other favourites one vote respectively, that would be just perfect to me.

Tkomas Ankersmit

I learned that he is not only a musician but also an installation artist. I can well imagine that his music shows its effect in such a context.

Teke::Teke

I find this blend of psychedelic rock and influences from Japanese surf rock interesting and refreshing. Their style reminds me of Dengue Fever, a band that George introduced to us in a previous poll. I really like them.

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Thank you all for the music and the comments! Thank you Greg for hosting. The addition of those bandcamp links was a huge plus. Well done!