Minamo – Documental

Originally a duo of Keiichi Sugimoto and Tetsuro Yasunaga, Minamo were joined ten years ago by guitarist Yuiichiro Iwashita and Namiko Sasamoto on saxophone and organ. Following on from last year’s A Path Less Travelled, the Tokyo based quartet bring us Documental. Whilst the intricate melodic forms and textures remain, Documental explores more abstract territory compared to previous releases. Using a plethora of instruments, the group flit between sparse fragments of melody to deeply immersive drones.

‘Draw the Line’ provides a gently drifting opening to the album, with sparse piano chords and acoustic guitar interweaving amongst a background of electronic flickers and clicks. A rhythmic pulse gradually creeps in, providing an anchor to tie the fragmented melodies together before the piece slowly makes its way back to its sparse beginnings, dissolving into nothingness.

The mbira and bowed strings of ‘Bound Letters’ once again provide a contrast to the electronically processed sampled sounds, showing the group’s wish to explore a wide variety of sound sources within this work. From the melodiously sweet ‘Dusted Shelf’ to the disjointed atonality of ‘Handbook’, the quartet provides an ever changing soundscape.

The layered bowed strings of closing track ‘Paperweight’ offer a reflective ending to the album. The warm, solid piano chords contrast with the harsh attack of the higher pitched piano melody whilst the occasional flourish of percussion accents the passing of time.

Improvised in nature, Documental comes across as slightly hesitant at times, often drifting into more familiar territory once a piece has established itself. However, it’s an interesting development in the group’s work and for fans of abstract electroacoustics is well worth exploring.

- Katie English for Fluid Radio

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