Kronos Quartet are a couple musicians who I really only know a little about. I first heard them on the charity album Dark Was the Night, which I have raved about in the past. They contributed the title track, which, admittedly, was a bit strange. The track consisted of awkward cellos making noises that most people would say are simply that: noises.
I heard a bit about them on NPR, which was a very favorable review of their newest composition. I have no idea which one that was.
So, my life moved on. Then I read about this album/collection/thing on 1000recordingstohearbeforeyoudie and I was finally sold. I think their description of this music does a lot more justice to the recording than I could do, explaining symbolism that I wouldn't have known, as well as the actual composer's (Crumb) methodology behind creating the music.
The first three tracks are Crumb's compositions, which are absolutely full of dissonant noise, nerve-wracking cacophony and dark and fear-inspiring sessions of cello-centered ecstasy. You might not believe that the sounds are actually coming from stringed instruments, unless you play one yourself.
The rest of the collection is a much more conventional selection of arrangements, sad and emotional pieces that would be perfect, were they set to some sort of apocalypse. Black Angels has been touted as one of the darkest collections of music available, and you might understand that if you scroll back up and read the 1000recordings description.
In any case, it makes for a very entertaining listen, and if you really want to be put out of it, turn off the lights, put your headphones on, and just kind of listen to it. It's something to focus on, and it'll make you think.
Download here, and buy it here.
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