Search - Wim Mertens :: Struggle for Pleasure

Short but very sweet --- the album that launched WM

Dr. Gershom Martin | Rechovot Israel | 11/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are only six relatively short tracks on this mini-album, which catapulted composer Wim Mertens from nowhere to near-stardom in his native Belgium and other European countries. Steve Reich is an obvious influence (both in terms of minimalism and love for unusual instrumentations --- in fact, I mistook some parts for synthesizers when I first heard the album!), but more melodic and less repetitive in character. The haunting instrumental ballad "Close Cover" was the jingle for Belgian national radio's late-night programme for years (when I lived there). My favorite is the title track, which builds up layer by layer, in "chaconne" fashion, over a catchy arpeggiated piano pattern to reach a thunderous climax. Tracks 3 and 6 are likewise classics in their genre. If you want to surprise a discriminating (but open-minded) listener with an unexpected musical delight, this is the album!"