Providence, Rhode Island composer, improviser and sound and media artist Kristina Warren picked up a concertina in 2023, which set the wheels in motion for these four detailed and atypical songs. The unique beauty of the concertina (it’s similar to an accordion) is injected into Warren’s analog tinkering, creating an immersive audiovisual effort that’s multi-dimensional and was refined across many live performances with the instrument.
“Downbeat” starts with atmosphere and cinematic flashes of electronic ideas before the warm concertina enters the eight-plus minutes of soothing yet apocalyptic ideas that are still rhythmic in their own light.
“Data Fire” follows, and it’s shrouded in mystery, where the thick waves of concertina are met with an ominous backdrop that yield noises, glitches and atypical bouts of harmonics which unfolds with a bit of sci-fi qualities. The title track then moves with a more subdued personality thanks to the rich layering and softer emphasis on the concertina that's played with tremendous caution and grace. It’s a droning selection that’s got an haunting spirit to it that you can’t fail to admire.
The final piece is “Last Light.” It radiates a distinct tonality that’s nearly meditative, kind of dreamy, and uniquely intimate thanks to Warren’s creative vision. Echoing and prettiness are part of the equation here, where the closer finishes the sonic journey with much intrigue.
Although it’s just a few tracks, they are all lengthy and highly involved. The squeezebox instrument is often manipulated slowly, though there are jagged bouts, strategic feedback, and unpredictable tones to be appreciated.
Warren’s abstractness and organic versus synthetic approach makes Tusk, which is available on cassette and digitally, an artistic and highly enlightening journey. It’s not often you hear an album focused on the reedy timbres of the concertina, and the meticulous electronics join it in fascinating ways.