Nels Cline + Devin Sarno - Rise Pumpkin Rise

Review by Tristan Poyser

Rise Pumpkin Rise, the collaborative album by Nels Cline and Devin Sarno, is a mesmerizing and experimental journey through soundscapes and textures. The album features six tracks, each one a unique exploration of the duo's sonic capabilities.

From the opening track "Witches Butter" to the closing "The Great Pumpkin Waltz," Rise Pumpkin Rise takes the listener on a wild ride through a variety of genres and moods. Cline's guitar work is as impressive as ever, ranging from delicate fingerpicking to explosive solos, while Sarno's bass and electronics provide a rich and atmospheric backdrop.

One of the standout tracks is "The Weeping Willow," which features haunting vocals by Carla Bozulich. The song builds slowly, with Bozulich's voice floating over a bed of drones and whispers, before erupting into a chaotic climax.

Summary by Tristan Poyser

Rise Pumpkin Rise is a challenging and rewarding listening experience. It's not an album that can be easily categorized or pigeonholed, but rather one that demands repeated listens and close attention to fully appreciate its many layers and nuances. Fans of experimental music and avant-garde jazz will find much to love here.