ARANIS & TOON FRET - HIDDEN SOUNDSCAPES

A low-distribution EP from the Antwerp septet, here with an added flutist, that contains didactic material for school exhibitions, the group constantly tours the high schools of Belgium in the pedagogic sense of the word. This EP is a mix of classical work adaptations and Aranis compositions.

Opening on a great whistling moment from Toon Fret, Aranis attacks a Bach overture very calmly, but link it with one of their wilder composition, the demented Hirione that can only shake good old Johan-Seb's bones. The following track is a flute thing from contemporary classical mater Jolivet, played (at times almost dissonantly) by Fret, joined by Aranis's Jana Arns. After a short guitar baroque piece, Aranis works on a Bela Bartok duo, before jumping into two short pieces from them, the wild Turbulentie Short and the no-less turbulent (and dissonant) De Minuut.

Ending abruptly on such dissonant up-tempo note is a risky bet, but then again, this EP was probably not aimed at public distribution, although they sell it at their concerts. Not quite as fulfilling as their full length releases, this EP will always be a sidestep in their career.