FIRE! - Testament

Over time, the divide in creative direction between the trio Fire! and the expanded ensemble of Fire! Orchestra has grown ever more pronounced.

Free-jazz remains common ground for both outfits; what sets apart the two expressive fronts of Mats Gustafson, Andreas Werliin and Johan Berthling is the increasingly stripped-down instrumental structure of the Fire! project, a choice that their latest album "Testament" pushes to the extreme with a bare-bones set-up – saxophone, bass and drums – and a keen focus on the roots of blues and early jazz production.

For what might be the most monochromatic and essential album of their discography, Fire! enlisted Steve Albini to take on production duties, reawakening the hard'n'heavy approach of "The Hands" without simply retracing its evolution.

Five suffocating tracks, cleverly attuned to the seductive art of unease that also runs through the kraut-rock germs that never stop infesting the trio's dazzling geometries - most evident on the devastating, ingeniously anarchic "One Testament. One Aim. One More To Go. Again", a track that almost seems to contradict the gripping beauty of the groove that instead sets "Running Bison. Breathing Entity. Sleeping Reality" ablaze, a blues that slowly drains itself of blood, sweat and tears for an explosion of pure fury that foreshadows a deceptive return to normality, the last cry of an apparent normalization that instils dread.

The brief "Four Ways Of Dealing With One Way" is steeped in the same rigor, with the drums dictating place and time while monotonal melodies try to contain its free-form spirit - again in stark contrast with the track that precedes it, "The Dark Inside Of Cabbage", in which dissonance and discord conjure up a sorrowful, magical sonic aura.

With "Testament" Fire! confirm they haven't lost the inspiration of their best days, and have gained even greater expressive command. This is, after all, an album that lays out its expressive and technical intentions right away, with no sleight of hand: not only does electronics disappear entirely, but the analogue recording makes the live atmosphere feel even more visceral.

From the very first notes of "Work Song For A Scattered Past" it's clear that the band's eighth album is a journey into the darkness and shadow at the soul of blues and jazz, and once again the result is outstanding.

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06/03/2024