Tavarn Keben : 2007 / Autumn Wind Productions : 2009
Format : C28 Cassette / CD

Here’s an enigmatic one I’ve been meaning to review for some time now. The group consist of members of Waldteufel and l'Acéphale but sound nothing like either. Well, anything Markus Wolff is involved in tends to carry his blessed imprint and this is no different. Together with Arrowyn & Jason H. Craban, and Jason O'Neil Butler, these Northwestern pagans create a celebration of nature and camaraderie.

To call this release “neo-folk” would also be doing it a disservice. I’m really not sure what to file this under other than “experimental”. Organic sounds merge and mix with cut-up vocal loops, chimes, bells, nature noise, tonal grunts, horns, unidentifiable stringed instruments... it’s everything along with the kitchen sink that’s been stripped bare, turned upside down and used for some shamanic drumming. Ritual Forest Music.

I love this tape just because it’s so out of the normal realm of anything I’ve ever heard and believe me, I’ve listened to some weird shit. But this isn’t something quirky for the sake of being strange. There’s a definite structure to the songs and their just good. Strap on the headphones, go to your nearest park, woods, front yard, lie down in the grass and be transported. This is definite outdoor music, or it will at the very least bring the outside in.

This 30 minute cassette features barely recognizable covers of The Beatles “Tomorrow Never Knows” and Townes Van Zandt’s “Lungs”. Limited to a mere 66 copies and beautifully packaged in a cardboard case that included bits of mossy bark, better do your best to hunt this one down.

UPDATE: In 2009 this wonderful tape got an overhaul courtesy of AWP. In addition to the tracks on the original cassette, there’s five new tracks. “Wave Rolls” is an incredible a cappella number featuring deep bass vocals and lilting tenor accompaniment. I can imagine the crew of an 18th century tall ship chanting one just like it. “Full Spectrum Dominance” would be at home on any Dark Ambient release, but features guest vocals by the Craban’s daughter making the track eerie as well as playful. Next is a track that also appeared on last years Live Collection CDr, “Gnawer From Beneath”. It reminds me of being in the hold of sea faring vessel as the wood creaks and groans. It also features the cymbal spinner. Browse around the AMO1 websites for some pics of that amazing contraption. Track no. 8 entitled “Peat Fire Flame” appeared on the live disc as well. It’s a cover of a traditional “tramping song”. It’s another incredible track that taps into the volkish soul with the “oh oh oh” chorus, woodwind instruments and field recordings. It’s one of my favorites on the CD release. Rounding out the new tracks is “She”, a reworking of the Beatles “She’s So Heavy” that will indeed blow your mind.

So if you missed out on the very limited cassette release, this will be a chance to right that wrong. If you were lucky enough to land one, the additional tracks make it more than worth your time and cash. The insert with the notes on each song is a welcomed addition as well. The digipak uses the same cover art as the original tape, but I strongly suggest picking up the special edition that features a leather cover handmade by Jason Craban himself. The release was pressed at 1000 copies, but the special editions are limited to 100. Highly recommended!!!

Website: myspace.com/aminorityofone