Splashgirl - Sixth Sense

  by Keith How

published: 29 / 6 / 2018

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Review

Electro-acoustic trio Splashgirl were the first artists to sign to the Hubro label in 2009 and since then the band's progression has been remarkable. Each release indicated a growth of maturity and sound. Their last offering 'Hibernation' being critically acclaimed (The vinyl cut at 45rpm) saw the band beginning to move into a wider soundscape and more melodic fields. Hubro describe Splashgirl as “doomjazz” (a term I rather like) and anyone unsure of what this means could listen to 'Hibernation' or this sumptuous new release 'Sixth Sense' as an introduction. The trio’s sound is about as far away from traditional and modern jazz styling as you could wish for. Despite the term “Doom” this new album is really anything but dark. Atmospheric? Yes. Cinematic? Certainly. Andreas Stensland Lowe has an array of synthesisers and devices at his disposal and he is not afraid to use them. He is accompanied by Jo Berger Myhre on bass and guitars and Andreas Lonmo Knutsrod who is on percussion duties. From the moment 'Carrier' sets the album off the listener is enveloped in an immersive wide soundscape. complete with a deep bass and swirling percussion that carries you away. It is a superb opening reflecting the maturity of the trio. 'Broken' is fragile and atmospheric before unfolding into an intensive bass drum driven drone. Stensland’s piano jangles beautifully throughout. At seven minutes 20 it is the longest track on the album. The title track 'Sixth Sense' is more mysterious. A synthesizer throbs darkly Krautrock-style before the track breaks open into an almost free form jam featuring some incredible drumming from Knudsrod. It is another fine track on an album that reveals more with each listen. 'Monsoon' and 'Half Sense' continue to reinforce the both grand and experimental nature of Splashgirl’s journey. Listening to this record you are able to find many reference points and musical influences from post rock to musique concrete but at no point does the trio settle in any genre. As jazz goes this set is non-conventional in approach. 'Sixth Sense' is intense, hypnotic and without doubt progressive and intelligent music. The final cut 'Sedna' is a beautiful tender soundscape far removed from any “Jazz” reference I can think of and as the album closes the listener is left with a sense of awe, fascination and of having been on an epic journey. A word about producer Randall Dunn who has allowed this project to be really expansive with a minimalist uncluttered ambience that allows a dynamic and uplifting recording. 'Sixth Sense' is unique and persuasive. Anyone with an inquisitive nature should sit down and listen to this work. There is much to intrigue and satisfy.

Track Listing:-

1 Carrier
2 Carrier
3 Sixth Sense
4 Monsoon
5 Half Self
6 Taal Caldera
7 Sedna

Band Links:-

http://www.splashgirl.no/
https://www.facebook.com/splashgirlno/
https://twitter.com/SplashgirlBand
http://www.last.fm/music/Splashgirl
http://www.songkick.com/artists/111060