Ikarus - Echo

'Echo' is the debut album by the Swiss band Ikarus, formed around composer and drummer Ram�n Oliveras. The album is released on ECM Recording artist Nik B�rtsch's Ronin Rhythm imprint and was co-produced by Nik and Ram�n. Together with the vocalists Stefanie Suhner and Andreas Lareida, pianist Lucca Fries and bassist Mo Meyer, Oliveras realises his elaborate compositions with skilful consistency. The band, which considers itself a musical organism, involves the wordless vocals as additional instruments and tone colours. Asked about his musical influences, Oliveras responds: Bart�k meets James Blake, Arvo P�rt meets Eivind Aarset.The result is music that is settled between silence and storm and gains its momentum and energy from nimble minimal-grooves, psychedelic soundscapes and jazz-related interlocking rhythms. Both rugged riffs and delicately interwoven melodies are part of 'Echo's musical dramaturgies - the songs frequently oscillate between these opposing elements: as organic transformations or sudden rifts.Personnel: Ram�n Oliveras (drums), Stefanie Suhner, Andreas Lareida (vocals), Lucca Fries (piano) and Mo Meyer (bass)Evocative! A promising debut. - All About Jazz