Sunday, March 8, 2009

Saltillo - Ganglion


A ganglion, in humans, is a collection of cell bodies of either sensory or autonomic neurons. It is a hub, a relay point or, simpler still, an intermediary connection between various neural pathways. I could propose several rather tacky theories about why Saltillo (aka Menton Mathews III) named his debut album Ganglion (2006) the way he did, but I'd rather let you decide.

All right, so this release is neither new nor perfect. There are some rather cheesy compositions, mostly the ones with vocals. But the instrumental pieces, brilliant in their elegance, convey rather ravishingly a wide range of emotions within the melancholic spectrum. The thing is, the guy plays, like, 8 instruments, including cello and violin. The combination of clear, emotive sounds these instruments produce, and harsh beats punching the rhythm in the flow of classical notation create an experience that is truly unique. Electronica and classical music, which I always thought to be similar in principle, supplement each other rather well in practice.

In short, it's the elegance and taste that conquered my rather jaded mind. I like stylish music, and Saltillo certainly has style. One can enjoy his beat as intensely as his cello. Maybe you have to be a little melodramatic to really get it, but same can be said about Gotan Project, for example. In any case, this track has been enjoyed by most people I ordered to listen. I mean, suggested...

Remember Me

Another great one is

The Opening

if you liked those ones, try

A Hair on the Head of John the Baptist

And if you like that, download album.

cheers

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