The marriage made in heaven collaboration between the Swiss minimalist specialists Sonar and the master texturalist David Torn is still in the honeymoon phase. Tranceportation (Volume 1) is only a little more than a year out from their first get-together Vortex. Acting again as a producer and a third, lead guitarist, Torn extends his stay and why not? Vortex was mission accomplished that opened up possibilities for more missions.
As before, Sonar is built from the dual guitars of Stephan Thelen and Bernhard Wagner, anchored by the electric of bass Christian Kuntner and the drums of Manuel Pasquinelli. Sounding much like a cross between the Necks, e.s.t. and Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin, Sonar sets itself apart by its tritone approach to composition and distinguishes itself further by Torn’s role as the designated soloist and co-producer. All throughout Tranceportation Torn’s genius is often found in the ways he enhances Sonar, not dominate them.
“Labyrinth” sounds very much like a stand-alone Sonar song with its relentlessly circular groove until you begin to notice the distant synth backwash (it’s actually Torn performing live looping). Torn’s guitar entry just after the five minute mark adds that freak factor you knew that was coming, but he’s careful to let the band’s hypnotic groove remain central to the plot. That said, Torn interjects commanding quips from his yelping guitar and somehow, he contorts his axe to resemble a violin and the dramatics of that are enhanced by the temporary absence of the tritone-tuned guitars.
An unusual time signature sets apart “Partitions” by its pacing, and right away Torn’s presence is made known with gently sorrowful phrases; his carefree approach makes an attractive contrast to the unshakeable unity of Thelan, Wagner and Kuntner.
“Red Sky” begins in an semi-ambient state, hardening up when Kuntner’s bass enters after more two minutes. Torn’s guitar weave in and out of consciousness, floating around the extraterrestrial sonic tapestry that he’s created. But fixate too much on that, and you’re apt to miss the rest of the band transitioning into a new rhythmic pattern. Once the transformation is complete, Torn’s guitar tone turns urgent and contentious for a moment, withdrawing to allow for the song’s soft landing.
“Tunnel Drive” is the funkiest of the batch, but is rooted in the same chord as “Labyrinth.” Pasquinelli’s drums loosen up without straying from the mission of rigid song development; he even jousts a bit with Torn.
A ‘Volume 1’ is a hint of more to come, and yes, there is additional material that came out of the five-day session that produced Tranceportation (Volume 1). The idea that we are at worst, only halfway through the Sonar/Torn alliance is pretty exciting, because the music they’ve put forth so far is exciting.
Tranceportation (Volume 1) is out now, from Rare Noise Records.
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