Ben Bennett & John Collins McCormick - Pluperfect

Review by Vikram Rao

Pluperfect, the collaborative album by Ben Bennett and John Collins McCormick, is a mesmerizing and experimental journey through the world of free improvisation. The album features a series of improvised pieces that showcase the duo's unique abilities to create intricate sonic landscapes using a wide range of instruments and sounds.

From the opening track "Contrafactum," the album sets a tone of unpredictability and exploration. Bennett's unconventional percussion techniques and McCormick's fluid guitar playing combine to create a sound that is both otherworldly and captivating. The duo's ability to seamlessly transition between different moods and textures is particularly impressive, as evidenced in tracks like "Oblivion" and "Parallax."

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Trichotomy," which features Bennett's use of a modified saxophone mouthpiece to create a range of percussive sounds that blend seamlessly with McCormick's haunting guitar melodies. The track is a perfect example of the duo's ability to create a cohesive and immersive sound that is both challenging and rewarding for the listener.

Summary by Vikram Rao

Pluperfect is a masterful work of experimental improvisation that showcases the talents of two incredibly skilled musicians. While the album may not be for everyone, fans of avant-garde jazz and experimental music will find much to appreciate in Bennett and McCormick's unique approach to sound creation.