More instrumentally improvisational, the six tracks on the duo CD pinpoint unique techniques from Tammen and Irmer. These take many forms from spectacular agitato showcases that include quadruple fiddle stops and flying staccato lines, to stop-and-start guitar string reverb and yowling slurred fingering at near-warp speed. Many times Irmer’s extended sul ponticello timbres play hide and seek with descending and ascending metallic string snaps from Tammen.
The guitarist contributes simple strums that could come from a ukulele, Jimi Hendrix-like string flaying plus tones that sound as if they’re rending the instrument’s wood. Meanwhile dog-whistle shrieks, smooth glissandi and multiphonics demonstrating the fundamentals of Irmer’s four strings plus their extensions and constitute the violinist’s interludes. ...no ring modulator is present, but acoustically both men replicate electronic signals.
The defining track is the oddly-named “Hiatus”, where among contrapuntal interaction it seems as if one or both players is utilizing an additional “mouth instrument”. Irmer’s sul ponticello string buzzes and rasps alternate with zart theme variations as Tammen’s sequenced pulses and palm hammering eventually give way to sporadic string strums spiced with wiggling electronic pulses.
With the stimulation accessible from these CDs as much in the journeys as the destinations, either provides a profound look into the inner working of advanced and textural electro-acoustic improvisations. (Ken Waxman)
