Scarnella - Scarnella - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Seven new compositions and six composers from Latvia representing the young and middle generation - this is the balance sheet of the Sharp Green album by the Atomos Saxophone Quartet. It features a variety of composers with roots in academic as well as non-academic music, but all are united by their willingness to surrender to the adventurous spirit of Atomos, which has encouraged them to explore the possibilities of the sound of a saxophone quartet. Their compositions have addressed issues pertaining to humanity, ecology, materiality, the flourishing of life in nature and in themselves, and also simply the powerful joy of self-expression and playing music. A saxophone quartet itself seems to be intolerant of dull moderation, and on this album the artists have given us an exciting sonic journey in which we hear everything from minimalist aesthetics and sonority as the main driving force to rock-like intonations, atmospheric moods and energetic affirmations of creative power.

Hailing from Slap out, AL, Jessica has been a natural performer, wowing audiences since the age of 10. At 20, she won the state-wide artist showcase, Stars of Alabama, and in 2013 was part of the Vans Warped Tour. Meuse's tenure on American Idol led to her becoming the first person in the history of the hit series to perform her own composition, InchBlue-eyed Lie,Inch during the finals. InchJessica pulled together a powerful performance of her original song,Inch commented Ryan Seacrest InchI already have many new original songs written and I believe our team will make some of the best sounding Jessica Meuse music yet. The direction for my album will lean country, loaded with soul, truth, and a twist of my alt-rock influence. I'm ready for this next level of my musical journey and am happy to have a great group of people supporting me along the way!Inch

At this point, it is almost impossible to say what makes for a classic Animal Collective album; the standard fluctuates with the weather, your temperament, whatever chemicals may or may not waft through your mind. But from start to finish, first listen to last, Isn't It Now? absolutely lands as a classic, it's mix of playfulness and earnestness, glittery pop and tessellated textures seeming to synthesize and update all that has ever made and still makes this band so compelling. It is experienced and wise, energized and young, the work of four people committed to finding the frontier of a beginner's mind, together. Recorded, mixed and co-produced by Russell Elevado (D'Angelo, The Roots, Kamasi Washington).