Record Reviews

2WKL ~ CYBER YA2Z NOT ON LABEL 001 (Barcode: 3017600666700) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1999 Released: 2002 This is the debut album by Polish duo 2WKLFind albums by this artist, which comprises of keyboardist / composer Wojciech KonikiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer / composer Dawid Wojtek LewandowskiFind albums by this artist, who lives in France. The music was performed using a plethora of synthesizers, keyboards and programmed and live drums and was recorded live to DAT, featuring no overdubs or other studio trickery. The album presents six original compositions, three of which were composed by Konikiewicz and three were co-composed by Konikiewicz and Lewandowski. The music is an interesting amalgam of ambient / synthesizer music with strong ethnic elements, especially the rhythmic patterns, jazzy improvisation, groove, funk and even some Jazz-Rock idioms. Although performed only by two musicians, practically live, the overall sound is powerful and multilayered, often quite complex and intricate. Although strong melodic elements are present, the music is mostly atmospheric and contemplative, except for the moments when it creates a strong funk groove, becoming almost danceable. Konikiewicz plays some amazing synthesizer sounds, which are consistent with his well deserved position as one of the best keyboardists on the Polish scene. This album proves that he is always ready to experiment and find his own place within the developing and emerging music technology. The solos Konikiewicz plays on this album are truly stellar and should be part of the electric / electronic pantheon of the Polish recorded legacy. Lewandowski´s drums programming is among the best I have come across in the ambitious music, which proves that automated drums can be creative and even fascinating. There is not a dull moment on this album, much thanks to the great drum tracks. Although this album was recorded a decade and a half ago, there are very few, if any, synthesizer oriented albums released on the Polish scene since, that can match its diversity, imagination and virtuosity. It is definitely worth to be dug up and discovered by all those who missed it at the time.

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KRZYSZTOF MAJCHRZAK / DRUMMONAUT ~ H-E-K-A NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 192914858294) ~ POLAND ~ Electronic & Ambient Recorded: 2017 - 2018 Released: 2018 This is a duo album by Polish (resident in France) bassist / guitarist Krzysztof MajchrzakFind albums by this artist and drummer DrummonautFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Dawid Wojtek LewandowskiFind albums by this artist). It presents nine original instrumental compositions co-credited to both duo members. The music combines Groove, Funk, Ambient, Electronic and Ethno elements with improvisation, sounding like an up to date version of Weather ReportFind albums by this artist meets Tangerine DreamFind albums by this artist. The consecutive tracks create a trance like meditative state, which completely absorbs the listener, flowing naturally one into the next. The entire flow of sounds is more about atmosphere and sub-consciousness than about melody or harmony. As such, the music simply avoids clear genre classification and its abstract nature fits to the mood and orientation of the listener more than sets it. Music fans, who are used to absorb clearly defined messages, might find this music difficult to enjoy, but free spirited listeners who are ready to let go of their preconceptions should find this music wonderfully fulfilling and spiritual. This is perhaps not for everybody, but it is highly interesting for the adventurous explorers. Personally I had a great fun listening to this eclectic and unconventional music.

Updated: 24/02/2019Posted: 18/02/2019

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