After a gloomy piano intro, "Fragmented Mass Compliance" builds up on sparkles and bits of sound to form a heap of noise that ends up crashing down. The piece divided in 2 parts separated by an attempt to elevate the mass of sounds to harmony, attempt that eventually fails into more bits and pieces. But is this really a failure? So seems to ask the harsh and crazy Trey Gunn soloing before the piece is finally cut into neat slices of conversation and music.
"Hickey" is just what it is. Done and forgotten, if not for a rosy stain on your skin.
This is EP Number [3] of 5
§ § §
In the midst of a scorching French summer, musicians Markus Reuter and Jean-Philippe Rossi embarked on a sonic adventure that would yield unexpected results. Gathering at JP's house in July 2021, the duo's shared enthusiasm for experimentation became the driving force behind their creative collaboration.
JP, armed with his trusty Roland JD800 synthesizer, contributed a selection of intriguing notes, occasionally intertwining his own voice and vocal expressions. These improvised elements were channeled into Markus' intricate looping system, where they would undergo a mesmerizing transformation. Markus, also adding some of his touch guitar mastery, skillfully weaved instant compositions, infusing them with impressionistic nuances and sudden breaks.
But this was just the beginning. JP's hearing experience of this music and encounters with other art forms sparked a new wave of inspiration. He set out to craft distinctive melodic hooks and stories that mirrored his journey. These narratives, rooted in personal exploration, were translated into signal treatments, voicings, soundscapes, and recordings drawn from a diverse array of sources, including previous sessions involving the artists (and Trey Gunn for a piece).
The creative process unfolded organically, blending structured creation with interesting accidents. This intricate dance of intention and serendipity resulted in a collection of music that spans over two immersive hours. To accommodate the expansive sonic landscape, the work has been divided into five distinct EPs, each with its own unique character and narrative arc.
Markus Reuter and JeanPhilippe Rossi's collaborative effort testifies to their specific artistic synergy. With this release, listeners are invited to embark on a special auditory journey, where the boundaries of musical exploration are pushed to the limits of the listener’s imagination.
Sit back, immerse yourself, and allow the captivating sounds born from this unusual collaboration to transport you to a realm where creativity is unleashed.
credits
released April 8, 2024
1. Fragmented Mass Compliance / 24:40
Reuter: Touch Guitars U8®, Looping
Rossi: Roland JD800, Treatments
Gunn: Warr Guitar
2. Hickey / 03:28
Rossi: Piano, Treatments
3. Fragmented Mass Compliance (Alternate End) / 24:40
1. 3. include T.Gunn's parts from the »Hisarü« sessions (M.Reuter/T.Gunn 2019)
1. 3. Composed & performed by Markus Reuter/Jean-Philippe Rossi
2. Composed and performed by JP.Rossi
Recorded at La Maison Rouge July 2021 and H1 2023
Mastered by Erik Emil Eskildsen
Mixed and Produced by Jean-Philippe Rossi
Images and video by ARTMK
Layout by Bernhard Wöstheinrich
Markus Reuter is a composer and Touch guitarist.
Jean-Philippe Rossi is a composer who occasionally plays
keyboards and sings.
Both are interested in blurring the frontiers between sound and music, composition and improvisation, performing and listening.
This is the result of their meeting and sharing these ideas....more
supported by 20 fans who also own “Fragmented Mass Compliance”
This is my third A&B purchase and my favorite of the three. I like them all but this one is a bit more groove oriented and "lighter" in feel than the others. Not as ominous or foreboding and fits my mood as we leave winter behind. Fantastic music and I hope to see the band live at some point. Jeff Jankowski
supported by 20 fans who also own “Fragmented Mass Compliance”
As I liked all previous Anchor and Burden albums very much (all two of them ;-) ), Markus Reuter's iapetus label's Black Friday campaign got me ordering this without hesitation (or pre-listening, which I very rarely forgo). Markus et al earn a little trust, don't they? :-) Carsten Pieper
A collection of unreleased material from Daniel Burke's beloved experimental project, spanning four decades of loud, off-kilter weirdness. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 21, 2023
This two-part collaboration between composers Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and Emile Mosseri consists of two 17-minute sides. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 3, 2022
supported by 20 fans who also own “Fragmented Mass Compliance”
This supergroup from Berlin is the true heir of the improvising King Crimson of the 1973-74, 2000, and the 1997-99 ProjeKcts periods. Amazing! Advise not to do ironing, dishwashing, dogwalking, or child care while listening to it. Frank Hadlich