Search - Lars Horntveth :: Pooka

Jaga Jazzist's musician, produces compelling Solo Album.....

fetish_2000 | U.K. | 06/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having already made up one half of the celebrated Scandinavian experimental Jazz outfit "Jaga Jazzist", most people would surely been surprised by Lars decision to release a solo album. But it seems that Lars had a great many ideas, that wouldn't have fitted neatly within the energetic and elaborate progressive-Jazz that earmarked that group. And so, has released an album that although in theory contains little of the electronic exploration and beats, of Jaga, is in fact a far more subtle, reflective and stylish album, one that leans heavily towards soundtrack and classical-electronic music. Although running at a mere 8 tracks over 46 minutes, it completely justifies it's existence by being a more that worthy alternative to the fractured progressive sounds of Jaga Jazzist, and opens listeners ears to a gorgeously classical-orientated sound.



"Pooka" for all intents and purposes sounds more like something from the IDM / Post-rock of "Four Tet" & "Fridge", with looped, sliced and complex rhythms making up the main ideas behind this lovely track. With a more Heavy focus on acoustic bass and scattered drums, string basses glide in & out, and precision beats all serve to remind what made "Four Tet's" style of warm, melodic production so inviting here.



"The Joker" being one of the key singles here (mostly because it would make up most of the EP, that came before this LP), is the track that most people will liken to the work of Jaga Jazzist, Melodic with a nervy sense of drama, and the strum of jangly guitars, that work alongside the canopy of enigmatic saxophone and clicky programmed beats. Although less experimental, and less abrasive, it neatly sits in amongst the more progressive-Jazz sound, pioneered by that band.



"Mars Bar (Call for Gary!)", is a lush classically-orientated sound, steeped in atmospheric orchestrated music, with delicate Sax looming ominously large, sparse bass, & brooding Violin, all delivered with such a immaculately produced and performed sheen, that its a wonder that Lars didn't go solo sooner, such is the competence of his compostions contained here.



"Tics" opens with lovely whirling electronic sounds, over which a beautiful Sax arrangement plays uninterrupted, before seamlessly sliding into skittering shuffling downtemp breakbeats, clarinet & string arrangements underpin this particularly lush composition and its Lars, keen ear for a orchestrated hook that proves completely irresistible here, and the emphasis on the whole album being completely instrumental means that there are no astonishing vocals performances to rescue mediocre production, everything here, has to be able to stand up on its own rights, and with his unique way of weaving intricate sounds together, and infusing instruments with beats or classical-sensibilities, its a remarkable statement (and probably my favourite track).



"Kahlua Blues" shifts the style somewhat, into an almost ambient-era 'Aphex Twin', with clickly bass & and droning keyboard sound, and layered barely audible background vocal samples mixed with long passages of saxophone, this is the most electronic sounding track on the album with a unsettling electronic soundscape and rather subdued intricately balanced sounds. And yet again, shows that Lars isn't merely content to regurgitate sounds across the album, but instead have a broad idea, and explore the many opportunities offered to him.



"News on The March" is arguably the most traditionally orchestrated sounding track on here, and the sublimely delicate almost 'Swan Lake' gentlee orchestrated music, aptly confirms the point. with a organic bass gently throbbing in the background, its underpins the tracks perfectly, showing concessions to both old and new music, with Classical dance, rubbing shoulders with contemporary electronic music, with the frequent introductions of strong violin, marking changes in tempo.



"1. Lesson in Violin" takes a more experimental approach....with intimate soft orchestration shimmering wonderfully, add thrilling keyboards and a soft violin, before become overtaken by pounding insistent rock guitars, in an almost symphonic way...drum crashes begin to take hold. Those that have heard the latest 'Jaga Jazzist' album, will know what to expect, as this is most obviously a direction that would later be explored by the band. The only criticism is that this is a very short track, almost acting as a transition track.



"Pooka Soundtrack" is a pocket symphony of sorts, with dramatic, anxious and theatrical arrangements, one might associate with an 'Ennio Morricone' soundtrack (in this instance, think legendary 'Godfather' soundtrack). And a Gorgeous gentle bed of strings to cushion fragile violins, which combine perfectly to create moments of intense drama and incredible beauty, such is the proficiency of his work here, that if Lars decided to stop creating albums, a promising career in films beckons.



For those of you, that are familiar with his 'Jaga Jazzist' work, this is highly recommended, sure...it contains none of the widely varied progressive Jazz work-outs that Jaga are known for, but if you truly enjoyed their other work, this far more accessible classical-orchestration, that will impress those with a wide diversity in music. And those that didn't appreciate the attributes of Jaga Jazzist are still strongly recommended to pick this up, as its more melodic, accessible, and cinematic in its approach, that its brilliantly devised enough to pick up a whole new set of fans. Theres a level of playfulness and serious craftmanship here to continuously impress all but the most jaded listener. Almost certainly not as high profile a release as their Jaga Jazzist work, but no less worthy for it....essential"