SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: EGRET ZERO – EXPLORING SHACKLETON

Egret Zero
Exploring Shackleton
Luno Records

Baltimore duo Egret Zero met 30 years ago and shared their love of obscure musical references. Fast forward to 2019 where they get back in touch and start making and releasing music. Although their sound is hard to describe, it is very easy to listen to, a mix of soundscapes and experiments.

The album kicks off with the mantra-like “Pebbled Glass Clipper Ship”. It strikes me as equally harmonious, while at the same time it prepares one for what is next, almost like an orchestra tuning their fine instruments.

“Sketching At The Table” is a bit straighter up, adding classical guitar and violin, as well as a linear structure. Kel Smith’s violin work here is moving and evokes real emotions that go above what is expected in a song.

“Vapor Trails (For Bill) has guitar work that is so good you have to listen over and over to figure out how Wolfgang Allen does it. It is layered with effects–one hears slide guitar, delay, reverb, and reversing effects. The song is all over the place but stays on course at the same time. His arpeggio guitar runs are creative and awe- inspiring.

Lastly, “Exploring Shackleton Antarctic Rescue” feels like a soundscape that ends a good movie. It is layered with radio clips and beautiful harmonics.

Egret Zero have put on notice the experimental music scene with this release, and I cannot recommend it enough.

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