Sometimes, it’s challenging to start with a review simply because of the complexity of the release. This release has precisely that complexity, so if the words leave my pen a bit incomprehensible, I hope you will forgive me.
A double vinyl by The Hafler Trio with the Partial Assistance of B.C. Gilbert. Raise your hands, who is NOT intrigued. See? You all are; you wouldn’t still be reading. The Hafler Trio is easily one of my go-to projects when I need to be inspired or want to think differently. I’ve had the pleasure of attending a quadrophonic performance once in Antwerp, and it was gorgeous in all its bouncing frequencies all over the place. So I dove into the back catalogue, read up on Dadaism and art, studied the technical of production stories and became, well, a fan?
This double vinyl has been in the making for a long time. Not months, but years. Initially a subscription thing, and now availably through Bandcamp. And please realize that when the subscription opened, there was not even a sign of life of Bandcamp. And because it took so long, things changed in what initially was planned and what it has become. This probably is a good thing because – analysis mode on – the music on this album has had the time to fully chrystalise. It sounds mature and complete. Maybe the wine I’m drinking is also talking a bit, but it’s a 10-year Rioja with loads of finesses. And the same maturity and complexity I hear in “Idiots”.
It started as a collaboration between H3O and Bruce Gilbert (a.o. Wire and Dome), and in the beginning, Mr. Gilbert gave sounds and input to H3O to work with/from. But time… Stuff happened, and Mr. Gilbert stepped back from the project, but as the fundaments were already created, the collaboration became The Hafler Trio with the Partial Assistance of B.C. Gilbert.
Each side of the vinyl has a few tracks, totaling 23. There are a few moments where the change between the tracks is pronounced, but from a distance on low volume, there are moments where the unity is strong, and it feels like the tracks are flowing into each other. But: 23 tracks divided over four tracks of approximately 23 minutes each. For those of you who don’t know, that is, of course, not a coincidence. Because there is no such thing as coincidences. Maybe some happy accidents or events have a different output than expected. Or should we approach things differently? Space is time because it takes time to travel a distance.
This album was thought of. Therefore, it had to be made. And it’s a journey through parts of your mind you didn’t have access to before. Have a glass of wine, or pour yourself a nice absynth and enjoy the journey. Through space or time.
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