Chris Rosenau

Folktales, Vol. 1 is the kind of album you may want to own for two different reasons: the delicate sound sculptures it contains and its beautiful and highly original packaging. This is the first installment of what is intended as a conceptual series. Instigator Jon Mueller (head of the Crouton label) wanted to explore the literary aspects of sound and performance. The idea here is to offer a triple set of three-inch CDs, with each CD containing a "soundtale" of electro-acoustic music by a particular artist. This set is packaged in a double-gatefold cover with a short "tale," a collective writing poetically describing (or eluding description of) the works. Vol. 1 features pieces by Chris Rosenau, Hal Rammel, and John Kannenberg. Rosenau's contribution is the most satisfactory. A construction of acoustic guitar, dry ice (!), and various household objects and small percussion, it slowly unfolds into a fascinating landscape, hinting indeed at plot-like perspectives (without become programmatic). This is very different from the improvised guitar-with-electronics work Rosenau is known for. Kannenberg's "Lave" is a dryer piece of electronics. It builds on loops. The "bridge" in the middle features single echoing notes of bass guitar, giving the piece a post-rock feel contrasting with the "German electronics" aesthetic previously and subsequently heard. Hal Rammel's "Three Days From Anywhere" is much harder to get into; abstract, cold, and minimal, it offers a curious artistic experience, but not much more. Yet, overall, Folktales, Vol. 1 makes a fine collection for the avant-garde lover. With such original packaging, and printed in a limited edition of 300 numbered copies, it is also highly collectable. ~ François Couture, Rovi