ULVER – WARS OF THE ROSES (9)
Music is a process of exchange and investment. Devote time to music and receive back unending reward. Musical moments can be definitive, remaining in the mind to become an emotional narrative. Hearing music that makes your heart swell and the hairs on your neck bristle give music a physical validity. These are rare and intoxicating moments, which we all should seek, because when music hits, it stays for life and is a constant, ever there to evoke memory and bring visceral pleasure. So much is temporary, music is eternal. The ultimate subjective passion.
Wars Of The Roses is the latest step in Ulvers progression. Embracing all manner of recording techniques and mediums of sound creation, Ulver proffer an album which bursts above its contemporaries with daring bravado and intriguing vision. Quite simply everything is here, electronic soundscapes haunted by minor key guitar scales, orchestral timbre and an almost ‘musique concrete approach to rhythm. Opening track Febuary MMX borders on a folk feel with its guitar arrpegios and vocals which almost hide their melodic quality, but the more this track is listened to, the more ingrained the melody becomes. Knowing that the more you listen, the more it will give back is very comforting. Tracks ‘England’ and outro piece ‘Stone Angels’ summarising the eclectic mix of source material. The latter stands as one of the most interesting melting pots of sound manipulation you’ll hear this side of John Cage and its simply outstanding song craft. Ulver could so easily slip into pretension, but on Stone Angels they never overstate their abilities, a touch here, a touch there, it’s ultimately considered and a consummate end piece. Wars Of The Roses is so interesting, so beautiful, that come the end, and you’ll thank the gods for music being a constant, because this album will be played again and again.
Ulver are one of those bands which transcend the pathetic borders of genre, which is a tool for those who need categorisation and order. You cannot find anything tangible with Ulver to dissect how they do what they do. You simply have to allow it. Turn off your phone, turn off your inner monologue and see where Ulver take you.
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Musings on life through a glut of pain, seated from a prone position, commenting with a sedentary lifestyle. Im hurting, but it doesn't stop me chirping. Im a chirpy twit at best.
It's DONE
We raised it, we saved it. I have a metal neck, i'm recovering from the operation and I'll never be able to thank everyone enough, but it starts with a thank you. So thank you. To absolutely everybody, with help, thoughts, intent, action, it all means the world.
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