Caktus - Under Solen

Saxophones are talking in a place far from this world. They squeal in pitches above comfortable levels, then vibrate with low releasing resonance. At times they speak in violent unison, a different language for each, then follow amazingly with echos between themselves in exactly the same moments. There are instances holding the softest murmurs, like they are trying to lull each other to sleep. Horns fading into dusk then darkness. The fingers behind them dance across strings, stretching and pulling a thick canvas. A texture filled with grooves, sometimes running in parallel lines, then attacking in perpendicular chaos. Deep frequencies holding sounds perched on wires, they fall only to grab the newly formed sonic strength below. The process continues outside of patterns and form, but everything together is metered by percussion. A tap then rapid rapport, connecting energy, then slipping away to let sounds grow. Drums conduct the sounds, bringing melodies close to comfortable thresholds. The beats also lead energy away, leaving horn and bass to wither or grow on their own accord.

Caktus is a five person group from Denmark. Two alto saxophones played by Zeki Jindyl and Maria Dybbroe. There are also two musicians playing double bass Frederik Hagner and Thorbjørn Kaas. Only one drummer though, Tobias Andreassen. Under Solen is their debut album. The beauty of this composition is how these pieces weave in and out of the jazz fabric. At times sonic stitches reaching the turbulence of dizzying heights, then back to the comforts of a traditional tapestry most listeners are familiar with. The band works true magic with their ability to use aural overcast stitching. Taking raw and less tempered sounds and enclosing them with soothing ambience of patience and reserve. Under Solen requires a few listens, with the foundations of each track being a poem, each by a different artist. Twelve in total penned by Signe Cygan, Pia Tafdrup, T.S. Høeg, Jens Erik Larsen, Tanja Schlander, Jens Kæmpe, Lasse Sonne, Jonatan Bak, Kristian Saarup, Lovis Bechmann, Sara Flindt and Christian Haase.
These are printed inside the gate fold of this vinyl beauty. Under Solen is a focal point for creativity by many consciousnesses, and with this mix of large diversity, the sounds are laser focused with amazing clarity. 
 
Release on transparent vinyl with a swirled and smokey hue. Housed in a thick green inner sleeve with poem by composer Maria Dybbroe. As mentioned this is a gate fold printed on mat card stock with cover art by Erlend Eggestad. This works beautifully well together, reaching towards the natural rather than glossy flare. Copies are available through the Danish label Barefoot Records' bandcamp page. A good place to explore this label would be their 2019 compilation of ten years of music.






 

Links
Maria Dybbroe - facebook 

 

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