In Four

Interesting mix of contemporary pieces, all on the dissonant/prog side to varying degrees. Played by a quartet who apparently appreciate a challenge. This ensemble formed in 2000 NYC, this is their first CD, and the liner notes are written by the composers of the pieces within.

+1. Mid-fast angular, minimal, playful even (as much as something so clearly influenced by 80s Phillip Glass can be playful). Fun to listen to. Cool “reverb”- the sax plays a series, which is echoed by piano, marimba, etc. Middle is a little trippy. 10-minute-length could be maddening for some. Way cool with headphones!
2. Generally slow with a few “trills”, short. Use for an atonal, mostly chill, interlude.
3. Anxiously running up and down the scale, meanders with a valium, then rushes again.
+4.out-there jazzy avant-classical. Questioning, slightly anxious
+5.Prog, wide changes in speed/volume, nice piano in parts, lots of extended techniques.
6.too squeaky & dissonant for me, though the “train” at around t-5:10 is cool
7.Anthemic, rocky/proggy, could imagine it being a cover of a popular tune (but it isn’t). Abrasive. Complex rhythms in the middle.