First of all, don’t let the collaboration itself surprise you too much; it wasn’t that long ago when Fennesz and Jim O’Rourke joined forces with Editions Mego CEO and Middle Eastern bread type Peter Rehberg, which brought the release of a few albums under the amalgamated name Fenn O’Berg. The compilation Magic & Return remains a great satisfaction to anyone seeking classical influence alongside fierce improvisation, and one wonders upon listening if the trio had actually recorded live while time-traveling to the 18th century and kidnapping fellows from an accomplished Prussian orchestra. The three-piece trip across decades and decades can undoubtedly be a bumpy one, which might explain the apparent engine troubles on this track right here, for instance.
But meanwhile, on this new release, Rehberg is taking on the singular role as sponsor, as O’Rourke and Fennesz established a relatively less chaotic sound that seems a bit more in keeping with the latter’s ambient proclivities. I’m judging entirely by the excerpt from the track “I Just Want You To Stay” below, which certainly alludes to something pleasantly sleep-inducing. In fact, I might just be starting to doze off… right…
It’s Hard For Me To Say I’m Sorry, the first release featuring O’Rourke and Fennesz as a duo, will be released June 24. Pre-order it here.
It’s Hard For Me To Say I’m Sorry tracklisting:
01. I Just Want You To Stay
02. Wouldn’t Wanna Be Swept Away
More about: Fennesz, Jim O'Rourke
