Ambarchi/Fennesz/Pimmon/Rehberg/Rowe - Afternoon Tea

Originally released in the year 2000 (wasn't that the future?) I have to confess I missed the first edition of 'Afternoon Tea' that was released through Ritornell. Now Oren Ambarchi's Black Truffle label have reissued the disc with a new master, new artwork by Stephen O'Malley and extra tracks. Now on paper, the quintet of Ambarchi/ Fennesz/ Pimmon/ Rehberg/ Rowe is like the ultimate guitar improv/ laptop supergroup. But do they deliver? I would say so, and really beyond my expectations as I find it to be downright weird sounding and very abstract. Listening on headphones drinking a massive mug of tea while My son is watching Spongebob Squarepants, I really feel like I'm in some kind of exclusive other dimension. The strings are heavily processed beyond recognition for the greater part and it becomes almost impossible to identify which player is creating which sound although at various points its possible to spot trademark Fennesz crackle, pin prick Pimmon sparkling sounds, Peter Rehberg adding some darkness to the mix and plenty of scraping, bubbling and crackling sounds. I really can't grasp any kind of concept or narrative as it's just so strange sounding and I'd say a fairly unique document of free improvisation meets the computer. There's plenty of stuff happening but it never becomes to cluttered or noisy. Not an easy listen for most but if you you like stuff that's way out there then this musical Marmite will do the job nicely.