Acting mostly as a solo member for Fürsaxa, Tara Burke is known for creating some mysteriously dissonant sounds in her free-folk recordings. Whether working alone, joined by a couple of musicians to help on her own projects, or filling in with other bands as a support element, she always extracts maximum output from her instruments. These usually consist of psychedelic vocals, acoustic guitar, and Farfisa organ. And as those who are familiar with her work will tell you, Fürsaxa has concurrently generated a tight-knit following of supporters in the underground world of contemporary free-folk music.
Along with having albums released on labels by Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) and Kawabata Makoto (Acid Mothers Temple), Fürsaxa has also performed at the infamous All Tomorrow's Parties music fest. In addition, there has also been some collaboration involvement with other similar bands in live settings. For the bulk of us who will probably never see her perform in person, we'll also have to spend a pretty good amount of energy getting a hold of anything that has the Fürsaxa imprint on it. This particular release is only limited to 300 copies.
With Madrigals in Duos, Fürsaxa continues with the same trippy daydreams as we've previously heard by using the most basic of elements. It's these minimal aspects, and Burke's vocals, that create a harmless distance between the music and its listener. It sits somewhere in the back of your head and doesn't make a huge effort to hang around. It's also music that begs for attention, although nothing stands out as a hook or forerunner for that attention. Even the lyrics don't appear to be clearly represented or have anything significant to say. Maybe that's the point of creating an album that is as mysterious as the rarity of copies in print.
While Madrigals in Duos may be slightly unsuccessful in terms of impact, it makes up ground with its inexplicable quest to provide a lush atmosphere. In fact, not all is lost here. There are subtle moments of beauty ("Tuvalu") dispersed throughout the album that give it some very nice qualities. At times, though, I find myself scratching my head trying to get involved with the process. These are songs I'm certain will flow in one ear and out the other upon the first several listens for you as well. Who knows? Maybe I'm simply missing the point. In some weird way, this reminds me of Cat Power and how Chan Marshall uses her ostensible love for details to make a larger impact in the end. Unfortunately, it's the impact that Marshall has mastered that seems to be missing from Burke on Madrigals in Duos, which is unfortunately not enough to make it required listening. But it would be a nice collector's item if you were so inclined to dig one up.
1. So Completely
2. Tuvalu
3. Vascillating Between Piety and Gaiety
4. Japonica
5. Esbat
6. Surrender La
7. I See You
8. Veeho
9. Mon Valet
10. Ursa Minor
More about: Fürsaxa
