red V Green

Album Review

The label Unsounds is a joint venture by Yannis Kyriakides and Andy Moor, and yet you wouldn't expect these two artists to actually play together. They come from two opposite sides of the avant garde spectrum: Moor is the punk guitarist (The Ex, of course) and raucous free improviser; Kyriakides is the clever composer and electronician. The latter was part of M.I.M.E.O.'s first lineup, but this is the first time his work as an improviser is exposed for all to hear. And as unlikely as it may seem, this pairing works out nicely. Red v. Green offers 15 duets ranging from civilized conversations to heated arguments. Moor's playing is alternately abstract, textural, and raunchy, his rock roots never far away once the music heats up. Kyriakides' electronics shapeshift constantly, playing texture tricks in the background, mutating fragments of melodies in the foreground, fueling the music with what probably are pre-assembled electro-acoustic cells that are re-processed in real time (thus recalling another unlikely duo project, Charlotte Hug and Chantale Laplante's CD Brilliant Days). The duo displays good communication and a nice sense of drama, but the album would have a stronger impact were it 20 minutes shorter. At 74 minutes, it dilutes its appeal, especially in the last third, where tracks get stretched out — although the concluding "Nocturnal," with softly brushed guitar strings and crackling electronics, makes for a gentle, perfect finale. The lavish 36-page booklet of Moor's photographs helps pass the time. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide