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Polarity (60:45) by Ian Boddy & Dave Bessell is a live album providing a most emphatic argument for experiencing this music in-person as it happens. Recorded at Awakenings on 25 November 2023 Boddy & Bessell played together with confidence and power - creating a potent, beautifully crafted zone of otherworldly atmospheres and intrepid journeys. Traversing unexplored territory the duo, running at different temperatures and altitudes, at this their first ever concert collaboration, produced a sonically adventurous ride - while discovering the infinite possibilities of the sold-out hall. As the murmuring of softer synthesizers sends forth sublime sounds and sweet airs, further down a metallic frost descends. In a rich tapestry of tones emotional shading is intricately wrought, yet strikes the listener as effortlessly realized. With laser intensity energy builds - as tension between the spacey, lacy lilting strains and the clipped, machine tooled precision of echoing synth arpeggios generates an entrancing power. The tick-tock timing of the sequencer emanates motion and suspense - until, amid an impeccable swirl of well-ordered notes we find melodious release. With so many charged sparks and inspired turns this recital's overall effect left the audience in a hazy, dazy zone of appreciation for this most inventive, attentive night. But, as enjoyable a facsimile of the Boddy/Bessell staging it is, Polarity reminds us to remain open to the human heights often scaled in the moment of public performances, and to luxuriate in them before they become just a memory.
- Chuck van Zyl/STAR'S END 17 October 2024 |
