Brian Ferneyhough/Stephan Winkler/Oscar Bettisons: Fall
[ CD / Album ]

Let's get one thing straight - Ensemble Musikfabrik is not your granny's string quartet. These avant-garde maestros are back with their latest release, "Fall: Edition Musikfabrik Vol. 16," and it's a wild ride from start to finish.

From the moment you hit play, you're catapulted into a sonic universe that's equal parts chaotic and captivating. The album kicks off with "Echos" by Malin Bång, a piece that feels like falling down a rabbit hole into a world where time and space don't exist. The frenetic energy of the ensemble is palpable, and you can't help but be caught up in the whirlwind of sound.

As the album progresses, you're taken on a journey through a variety of compositions that push the boundaries of what classical music can be. Pieces like Georges Aperghis' "Echos/Narcisse," with its primal vocalisations and haunting melodies, or Rebecca Saunders' "a visible trace," with its sparse, unsettling textures, showcase the versatility and virtuosity of Ensemble Musikfabrik.

But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom - there are moments of lightness and beauty scattered throughout the album, like in Simon Steen-Andersen's playful and witty "Double Up." It's moments like these that remind you that Ensemble Musikfabrik are not just masters of the avant-garde, but also adept at bringing joy and whimsy to their music.

Overall, "Fall: Edition Musikfabrik Vol. 16" is a rollercoaster of an album that will leave you breathless and craving more. It's a testament to the boundary-pushing spirit of Ensemble Musikfabrik, and a must-listen for anyone looking to expand their musical horizons.