GREEN TO GOLD

This is a not a brand new band really. They were already working on some material during the years 2014/15. But fortunately in 2020 the PARTNER members virtually reconnected with the intention to refine diverse details. The album is consisting of a few spectacular Canterbury tunes that are wrapped up in a strong eclectic respectively avantgarde package. The wonderful front cover painting, worked out by bass player Alex Nova, references the Tarot card Two Of Cups, symbolizing emotional exchange and harmony. Standing for the successfull working process, I assume. The crew is based in Detroit regularly, driven by drummer Ben Billington and keyboardist Libby Ramer. They both already were members of the experimental psych band Moonrise, also featuring Steve Krakow aka Plastic Crimewave. Ramer additionally delivers the compositions and vocals in this case. On a sidenote, except for the bass, if you will, there's no electric guitar available here. A point to complain a little, when it comes to my taste, in general. But yeah, I actually do not miss anything. Moreover, alternatively saxophone player Chris Woods appears as a pleasant add-on.

The album is concipated as an alchemical journey, with references to the natural world, mysticism and transformation. The eery track Wilds proves that as no other. I mean the meandering electronic kick-off, and then it's all gradually running wild towards the finale. The opening song Drang puts the cherry on the cake, if you'll ask me. The experimental attitude, a dynamic groove, splendid! Including a quirky saxophone the Six A avantgarde flow is a tad Bitches Brew reminscent. Spring on the other hand reminds me at Bent Knee, their former times to make it more concrete. And so one may also recognize glimpses of other bands like Harpo Jarvi or Alco Frisbass in between. Nonetheless PARTNER are providing a unique sound, dominated by Libby Ramer's versatile and lovely keyboard presence and Billington's effective drumming. There is a constant change in direction and time signature available, composition prevails over improvisation. A challenging yet fine listening experience.