Skalpel ~ Konfusion
For their second
album the Polish DJ duo Skalpel have embarked upon a much more determinedly
jazzy direction than their eponymous, downtempo debut. The duo’s stated
intention with Konfusion is to “resurrect the dusty and smoky spirit
of ‘60s and ‘70s Polish Jazz and then re-imagine it for 21st century
audiophiles”. What they actually achieve is something rather different.
Most of the music consists of a stripped down percussive exoskeleton and tendonal
bass paired with a smattering of samples. The effect is moodily noirish, but
ultimately it lacks the unpredictability and the blood and fire that real
improvisation threatens to spit out at any moment. However, it’s a fairly
enjoyable set to whose grooves it’s difficult not to nod one’s
head. If Skalpel were to team up with some real, live musicians next time,
things might get really interesting.
Colin Buttimer
October 2005