(2017) ensemble, et al. - The Slow Reveal

Review: … is all about percussion. Formed in Brooklyn, New York in 2010, the quirky quartet creates gorgeous, fascinating melodies using predominantly percussive mallet instruments typically found in chamber orchestras and symphonies. Of course, this approach would seem a little unorthodox for rock and roll — but the ensemble players weave their mirthful melodies around rhythms generated by electric bass guitar and drum kit, then slather them with moog and other ornamental elements for good measure. Frank Zappa, Gentle Giant, and other progressive bands of yore were known to employ marimba and vibe into their mischievous mixes. But those artists usually did so in the context of songs with vocals and easy-to-spot verses, refrains, breakdowns, and bridges. Ensemble, et al. take a more natural approach, letting their instrumental pieces coalesce organically, in their own good time. The group — comprised of Jeffrey Eng, Charlie Kessenich, Ross Marshall, and Ron Tucker — tested their collective powers on 2014’s present point passed. But for the John McEntire (Tortoise, The Sea & Cake)-produced The Slow Reveal the guys milk their percussive panache for a truly adventurous set whose sparkly strains and modal measures will ignite listeners’ imaginations. — axs.com …The thing that sets ensamble, et. al apart from other post-rock bands, including another McEntire-produced project like Salvatore, is that the band consequently uses percussion to weave their ethereal grooves, with the chiming sound of vibraphone and glockenspiel playing an important role. Whether it is tiniest details in the texture on a section of “Typewriters,” with glockenspiel singing softly, or the fast-paced vibes-riffing on “Minbalism,” with wordless vocals, the group knows how to write layered pieces that develop organically. The compositions have an immediate melodic quality, but also enough details to warrant solid immersion and the tasteful use of keyboards compliments a sound that is worth holding on to.

Tracklist: 01 Au Cheval.flac 02 Guernsey Goodbye.flac 03 Old Anew.flac 04 Typewriters.flac 05 ....flac 06 Minbalism.flac 07 Medal Meddle Metal.flac 08 Ondrejko.flac 09 Ellipsis.flac

Summary: Country: USA Genre: classical, post-rock