EXPLODING STAR ORCHESTRA - Stars Have Shapes

What sound does the universe make? Is it the harmony of the spheres? Or is it a score written to different rules altogether? Laws of relativity, non-Euclidean geometries, bonds still beyond our understanding? Think of a Supernova. A star that explodes. A spectacular conflagration releasing enormous energy with the luminous intensity of a billion suns. It then scatters stellar matter across the cosmos. Slowly, it travels through the universe, until it comes to rest in a cloud of gas and dust. What sound could such an event produce?

The new work by Exploding Star Orchestra is an astral journey in search of that answer. An experience that almost crosses paths with a scientific documentary, in which we witness the unfolding of the energy at the foundation of the universe in all its power. The exploding star, the Exploding Star, is an orchestra that channels this seemingly chaotic energy into musical form.

The passion for space is nothing new for the ensemble led by Rob Mazurek. Already in their two previous works, the love for certain cosmic, free-jazz sonorities, in the vein of a certain jazz tradition, was clear. One name stood out above all: Sun Ra, space is his domain. Following in his footsteps, Mazurek indeed sets sail with his crew toward the light of the most remote celestial bodies. To do them justice, it's worth naming every member: Rob Mazurek (cornet, direction, composition, electroacoustic constructions), Nicole Mitchell (flutes, voice), Matthew Bauder (clarinet, tenor sax), Jeb Bishop (trombone), Jason Stein (bass clarinet), Greg Ward (alto sax), Jason Adasiewicz (vibraphone), Matthew Lux (electric bass), Josh Abrams (double bass), John Herndon and Mike Reed (drums), Carrie Biolo (gong, vibes, percussion), Jeff Kowalkowski (piano), Damon Locks (word rocker). Not to be forgotten, alongside Sun Ra, are two no less important guardian spirits to whom the album is also dedicated: Fred Anderson and Bill Dixon (with whom the Exploding Star Orchestra also recorded an album).

The immense quantity of energy dispersed across the universe is, from a sonic standpoint, precisely the sound of "Stars Have Shapes". A sort of sonic depiction of a star's explosion. A power that spills over into a freedom devoid of structure as we conceive it. "Ascension Ghost Impression #2" is the peak of this process. A cosmic wanderer, whistling nonchalantly as he passes a star on the verge of collapse, sets things in motion. A space journey at the speed of light. Electric drones foretell the coming storm. Slowly, particles of instruments draw near the stellar mass, improvising their song. But the conflagration approaches, electricity swallows everything, only the highest tones manage to break through. Everything is sucked in by the celestial body's gravity, even the drums lose themselves spinning around it. For a moment everything calms, swirling in every direction. It's the warning sign. The explosion happens. Energy now bursts out uncontrolled in every direction, casting flashes visible across every part of the universe. A majestic energy, hurling matter everywhere. The instruments move freely through all of space, releasing the charge they've built up. Slowly, the energy burns itself out into stellar dust. All that remains is the trail of the once-powerful sound, dispersing into deepest space.

"Chromo Rocker" continues the galactic adventure. As the title suggests, it's a piece leaning more toward jazz-rock. A driving rhythm and angular melodic interlocking in the style of Eric Dolphy form the sonic backdrop over which the horns improvise. As the explosion scatters through the cosmos, however, the power becomes less pronounced. In fact, it nearly fades away entirely. "Three Blocks Of Light" is, indeed, an ambient-jazz piece very similar to what Supersilent have produced. But where Supersilent close themselves off in isolationism, Exploding Star Orchestra opens up to the world through it. Over the electronic layer move horns much closer to the trumpet of a Hassell than to that of Arve Henriksen. The fact is, the initial charge has by now burned out. All that's left is the immensity of the universe and a temporary calm. The cosmic breath of "Impression #1" closes the scene. A backdrop of cymbals and vibraphone over which free notes from the various instruments climb. And so ends the energy of an exploding star.

Exploding Star Orchestra's work succeeds. If Mazurek wants to pick up Sun Ra's gospel and make his Orchestra the equivalent of the Arkestra, he's pulled it off. With fewer eccentricities than the pharaoh and his followers, but with an equally valid charge and cohesion, Exploding Star Orchestra manages to plant its own flag in space as well. They too can rightfully chant: Space is the place…

Ride the wave of great music

Add OndaRock to your favorite sources on Google Discover. Don't miss our reviews, milestones and latest news straight in your feed.

Follow on Google

13/12/2010