Combining traditional and recent Jewish folk songs with their own originals on their new Constellation disc, Nisht Azoy, the Orkestar, the Orkestar dispels many tired notions of Jewish music: gone are the sprightly clarinets and infectious enthusiasm you might associate with klezmer, replaced here by droning chants and huge, ominous, booming frame drums. This music doesn't flit about, it rolls steadily onward like a great, powerful, dreadful machine, inching every forward into the darkest night.
Nisht Azoy opens with "Bukharian", a track that recalls In Gowan RIng with its swirling mystical acoustic guitars and bodhran. Vocal chant lends a sense of invocation. "Az Vey Dem Tatn" continues to build the energy and intensity before "Violin Duet" changes pace with a mournful and spartan composition. Things take a turn towards the end of the song though, when mournful turns to spirited, a bass jumps onboard and the tempo shifts up a few gears.
"Ratsekr Grec" opens with some free blowing before a rollicking piece of Eastern European folk kicks in. More heavy blowing ensues as the track builds to a climactic end.
"Tsvey Taybelakh" again builds to a heavy slow-stomping conclusion before "Dobriden" verges on Oregon territory and "Golem" ends the album on a sad and somber note.
Absolutely brilliant. One of the most listenable albums of the year – rich instruments, elegantly recorded and powerful songs delivered with intense precision by a group of extremely talented and emotive musicians. Highly recommended for fans of In Gowan Ring and other like-minded free-folk artists, and too for fans of European folk and medieval music. I've been entertaining thoughts of moving to Montreal, and the thought of seeing this band live close to seals the deal.
- Bukharian
- Az Vey Dem Tatn
- Violin duet
- Ikh ken tsvey zayn
- Ratsekr grec
- Tsvey taybelakh
- Dobriden
- Golem
