Colin Stetson – New History Warfare Vol. 3: To See More Light

Album Review by John Nugent | 16 Apr 2013
Album title: New History Warfare Vol. 3: To See More Light
Artist: Colin Stetson
Label: Constellation
Release date: 29 Apr

Sometime session saxophonist Colin Stetson has been blazing a strange and experimental path with his New History Warfare series, in which unique playing / recording techniques are wed to a boldly experimental tonal minimalism. Stetson’s technical mastery impresses; but save your wonder for the jarring, semi-apocalyptic mood. Like a brooding soundtrack to an as-yet unmade David Lynch film, a cloud of unease trundles throughout, relentlessly. Meanwhile, the defiant lack of structure and Steve Reich-ian repetition forces engagement at an almost metaphysical level.

A few tracks, such as the 15-minute To See More Light, can be gruelling, and the virtual absence of anything resembling what could be called a song will lead New History Warfare: Vol 3 to be quickly dismissed by some (guest vocal appearances from Justin Vernon may be something of a red herring). But given room to breathe, this is a curious treat: a collection of sonic mood pieces, boasting a rare, tempestuous, dreamlike beauty. [John Nugent]

Sterrenplaten 8 maart 2013 - Colin Stetson by Sterrenplaten on Mixcloud

http://colinstetson.com