Skein, The: Andrea Parkins and Jessica Constable – “Cities and Eyes” – [Henceforth]

lombard   1/27/2009   A Library, CD

The Skein is the duo of Andrea Parkins (electric accordion, effects, samples & live processing, synthesizers, piano, and voice) and Jessica Constable (voice and electronics). Their debut album “Cities and Eyes” starts with a crazy racket of clanging, buzzing, and percussive noises punctuated by wailing, feline-like female vocals. Other pieces (like track 2’s “Nothing/Otherwise”) are more dream-like in places, with softer vocals and spacy keys. It’s all improvised, with some more jazz-like moments, intriguing samples (even operatic male vocals), and an experimental feel throughout. It’s an out-there ride with these talented musicians.