Triosk Meets Jan Jelinek - 1 + 3 + 1
[Scape]

Get past the fact '1 +3 + 1' is released on Pole's own Scape label & any previous misconceptions you may have that it's just another electronic dub album. In fact the only aspect of IDM to make an appearance is the odd speckle of static or glitchy noise that fill out the holes in the background.

Taking a live free jazz ethos to their sound and production, many parts are built simply on good old-fashioned improvisation, sometimes the only way it should be. Using the lush, naturally deep sound of the double bass in favour of synthesized basslines is a rarity in the field of contemporary music, especially with the addition of a live jazz drummer. At times, '1 + 3 + 1' unsurprisingly hints more at Charles Mingus than Berlin laptop mastery.

Most numbers are built using loops of instruments or cut up samples, not in a hip-hop way but more of a live feel. These are then built up by dark, brooding layers, introducing little change and sounds. Few fine details or complex structures makes for excellent chill-out music.

Without looking at the sleeve notes, it's impossible to pigeonhole when this was actually created, this is usually a classic sign that an album may stand the test of time. Without sounding too retro in an ironic way, Triosk do tend to sway towards a vintage feel to their music, the slightest electronics being the only indicator of a modern release.

Wonderful.