Fennesz - Seven Stars

Always lovely to get some vinyl from Touch and this I believe is their first 10" record, perfectly suited to contain these four tracks from the esteemed Christian Fennesz. Here he's operating with acoustic and electric guitars, bass, synths and of course computers. Opener 'Liminal' is a wonderfully dreamy and evocative number with lovely guitar and trademark layers of static and fuzz. It is very easy going and ultimately tranquil if a little melancholy. 'July' shifts into darker terrain with otherworldly low end rumbling juxtaposed with high pitched tones and then in the middle lies a slowly mutating and transforming slab of sound design which mirrors Jon Wozencroft's light peeking through darkness images that adorn the sleeve. This is Fennesz at his most dark and mysterious and its really is very intriguing. Things then ease up in intensity as the track gradually dissolves and fades away. 'Shift' is the longest running number of the four and really does hit the spot with celestial, shimmering organ sounds that take thing astral. A fantastic sonic journey, deep into the cosmos and brilliantly executed. Finally Steven Hess makes an appearance on drums for 'Seven Stars' which moves swiftly in a different direction with reverbed guitar strings and gently brushed drums. Steven's understated drums meet perfectly with the extremely tender and emotional moods created by Christian's expert deployment of sounds. Great to have him back with this, his first solo release since the Black Sea album. Gorgeous music that's highly recommended.