Oren Ambarchi - Sagittarian Domain (Editions Mego - eMego 144)

Oren Ambarchi is not new to these pages as I have reviewed his release "Hit And Run" with Joe Talia before. However, this time it is a little different. I have bought this record quite some time ago and did not have the courage to listen to it from vinyl for some time. For one thing, I didn't want to open it's package. I was absolutely stunned by the music inside that it seemed like a disrespect to open it. Now that I have eased myself with a couple of glasses of wine, here we go.

As a start, this album is significantly different from his other new works. The style is rather older than what he currently undertakes and his trademark Drone effects have left it's place to much different compositional aspects. I also don't need to say that I have admired this varience in his approach. It can also be called Minimalist in some sense due to the repetitive outlook of the mid section of the 33 minute track. However, the percussion is extremely close to that of the Krautrock era. It has too many points where you can link one way or the other. On the other hand it is utterly original and refreshing. Ambarchi does not play with the basic structure of the melody and rhythm much during the track, though from time to time, he presents himself with his guitar to create Drone textures which are adding supremacy to the already powerful presence. This becomes more evident on the B side of the record or the second half of the track (If you are making the mistake of listening it on CD).

I have read that he mentioned doing this album in 1 say in the studio in Melbourne's Sing Sing Studio due to time limitations. This is pretty remarkable. Recording the guitar, bass, cello, violin, viola altogether and mixing it up to this massive proportion is mind blowing. I have listened to it already several times after opening the record. All I can say is do not listen to it with a low or medium sound level. It is so powerful that the more you crank up the speakers, the more they demand. I have listened it until late night (Or morning some say) and had to lower down the level step by step due to early sleeper neighbours of mine. Will listen again in the morning at my full pleasure.

Before I forget, many thanks to Peter Rehberg for creating such a successful label (And sub labels). I have most of the releases already, but haven't had time to review many. They will start coming one by one (One clue is Jessika Kenney & Eyvind Kang). You can also review the releases of Editions Mego and the sub labels here. Don't forget to check the GRM re-releases as well.

To buy this record:

@ eBay
@ Discogs
@ Kontra Records