Jerek Bischoff - Cistern
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 23 / 8 / 2016

Label:
Leaf Label
Format: CD
intro
Impressively experimental and classical-influenced latest album from former US West Coast popster Jherek Bischoff
Jherek Bischoff was once a Parenthetical Girl and then a numb Pet Shop Boys convert, and this slightly undermines how he has become all neo-classical on 'Cistern'. Part of the 21st Century's Nouvelle Baroque movement, 'Cistern' proudly stands like the early hallmark to this new era. It rejoices in splendid jubilation. In the footsteps of Max Richter, Jherek Bischoff melts his quiet elegance with tantalizing minimalism. With haunting strings throughout and percussion sucked in by distant drumming, 'Cistern' is a stunning, dare I say noble, work-out. The title track, for example, leans towards challenging the theme tune of 'The Onedin Line' TV series. One's never quite sure to where this album may lead. Its qualities lie halfway between the romantic systematics of Michael Nyman and Vivaldi's versatility. Enthralling to say the very least, 'Cistern' marks a turning point in modern composing. Outright kitsch to the critical ear of some, or many, 'Cistern' catches a wealth of melodies, from funeral music to name one source; whilst, however, on, for example, 'Headless' it culminates in grand suspense. There is lo-fi tubular bells music on some tracks and resounding indie waltzes on others such as on the glorious title track's philharmonics. The unaware listener is at risk, overwhelmed by the probable danger.
Track Listing:-
1 Automatism2 Closer to Closure
3 Cas(s)iopeia
4 Headless
5 Lemon
6 Attuna
7 The Wolf
8 Cistern
9 The Sea's Son
Band Links:-
http://www.jherekbischoff.com/#homehttps://www.facebook.com/jherekbischoff/
https://twitter.com/jherekbischoff
https://www.instagram.com/jherekbischoff/
https://www.songkick.com/artists/580841-jherek-bischoff
Label Links:-
http://www.theleaflabel.com/en/index.phphttps://www.facebook.com/theleaflabel
https://twitter.com/theleaflabel
https://www.youtube.com/user/theleaflabel
https://plus.google.com/109098497483046618790
soundcloud
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Sukie Smith - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Kim Wilde - Photoscapes
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart