Bohren & Der Club of Gore create an unholy cacophony of "Doom-ridden Jazz music" that has a monasterial ambience that completely flips one's understanding of what jazz means upside down. Formed in 1992, they have been releasing challenging works for over two decades now, creating eight albums, with 'Piano Nights' to be released this year. The band only has four members yet they manage to create a huge atmosphere through their use of drone and ambient sounds. The members move between drums, bass guitar and double bass, saxophone and various electric pianos and synthesisers to create a sound that is full of depth.
Their performance of Midnight Black Earth at Leipzig's Centraltheater in 2013 was simply unfathomably eery. Male chants ebb in and out alongside the saxophonist's melodic adventures whilst the piano creates a rich harmonic texture that focuses heavily on the use of drones. The drums meanwhile add to the unpredictability of the song, crashing in and out of the piece. Witnessing them perform live is a true experience, one which is simply breathtaking leaving you attached to your seat due to the unnerving nature of their music. This is jazz being performed in a completely different light, and I use 'light ironically, as their music is shrouded in a darkness that is instantly interesting.
LEILA
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