I Heart Lung – “Interoceans ” – [Asthmatic Kitty Records]

Max Level   11/18/2008   A Library, CD

Organic collages with an occasional ambient free-jazz bent, from this duo comprised of guitarist Chris Schlarb and percussionist Tom Steck. Acoustic guitars and drums figure prominently throughout these medium-length tracks, with a nice assortment of other sounds (electric guitars including pedal steel, sitar, acoustic bass, trumpet, flugelhorn, clarinets, and electronic effects) swelling and receding in drifting layers, appropriate for these ocean-themed pieces. Aaron Ximm’s subtle field recordings fit the mood perfectly. Other notable guests include Nels Cline, Kris Tiner, and Lynn Johnston. This is carefully-assembled music with quiet, meditative passages and louder moments of extreme density as well. An outstanding effort.
Note: The Asthmatic Kitty website offers eight downloadable remixes of this material and it’s insane stuff, ranging from iller-than-ill hip hop to soft techno to noisy industrial sounds.