A Closer Listen
On Second. Siema Ziemia successfully attempts to create “electronic music with acoustic instruments,” and is so convincing that we almost placed the album in our Electronic category. With saxophone as funky as The Comet Is Coming, and drums as inviting as a DJ’s set, the album is even a potential crossover hit. But there’s far more going on beneath the surface, as proven by the solo piano ending of the title track and the widescreen cinematic opening of “atlant”; this is a band, first and foremost, and their musicianship is on full display. Improvisational segments highlight the quartet’s love for spontaneity and push the LP in the direction of free jazz, despite its rocking center.
“We Used to Cry” was the first single, and remains the best of the three to date. The impact is muted at first, with light saxophone, keys and percussion providing no hint of what is to come. But then there’s a shift midway to a more frantic style of play, toppling over at 2:23 with rapid beats and handclaps, a floor-filling beast. While this segment lasts under a minute, ceding space to soft sax and strums, it displays the ensemble’s dynamic range and is as creative a single as we may hear all year. Not that “KTL” is a bad single by any means; when’s the last time you heard drum ‘n’ bass performed on live instruments, with flute and horns?
Those who purchase the LP should note that tracks 7 and 8 are only found on the digital version, which makes them bonus tracks of a sort, while also creating alternate endings for the album. On the record, the twelve-minute mammoth “All Those Moments” is the closer, a jazzy, sprawling piece whose most experimental turns arrive mid-piece, pushing the quartet into yet another genre. To end here is to end with an “up, up away,” a flight into skies unknown. Or ironically, one can end with “See You On the Other Side,” which can’t possibly refer to the vinyl, but is strong, punchy, and concise, with hints of disco and prog. The drum crashes at 1:50 take it to the next level. Would the band be brave enough to release it as their fourth single?
The mutable nature of Siema Ziema’s music makes it appealing to multiple audiences. But their ability to emulate and imitate one genre through another makes them unique. When performed live, these pieces will change again; here’s hoping they can leave their native Poland and share their energy with the rest of the world. (Richard Allen)
Tue Aug 29 00:01:11 GMT 2023