Memory Drawings / Chris Tenz / Talvihorros @ The Banshee Labyrinth, 10 February

Talvihorros, the pen name of Edinburgh musician Ben Chatwin, is described as “a study of guitar and electronics,” on his website. As such, tonight’s short opening set is certainly meticulous and explorative, but ultimately feels lacking in purpose and direction. However, with a bit more reflection these brooding soundscapes could become something worth learning.

By the time Canadian multi-instrumentalist Chris Tenz takes over, technical gremlins are on the loose; faulty microphones and guitar pedals are compounded by a banjo that’s beyond any kind of respectable on-stage tuning. Still Tenz powers on, even when his set-up cuts out entirely during one particularly melancholic number. Yet when everything aligns, his looped, hushed confessionals become powerfully spine tingling stuff.

It’s fitting that, during a short re-tune, Memory Drawings open the room to questions on the dulcimer that forms the backbone of their sound. Ultimately we learn only that it has sixty-four strings, yet the evocative nature of this archaic instrument ensures that any combination those strings are played is likely to transport those who bear witness to another time and place. 

Led by Richard Adams of experimental indie outfit Hood, their stock-in-trade of short, wistful pieces backed by acoustic guitar, keys and cello, is beautifully rendered. Athough their fleeting nature may leave the listener wanting, it’s no doubt a key design that captures the nature of their name. Esoteric perhaps, but certainly etched on the memory. [Darren Carle]