Review: Tavare ‘Too Small To Be So High’
A musical project can truly shine when the artists involved share a common vision and energy. This idea is wonderfully illustrated through the work of Aidan Baker, a talented experimental multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative collaborations. While he has made a name for himself with his solo projects and the well-known band Nadja, Baker‘s passion for exploring new sounds and ideas often leads him to team up with other creative minds.
His latest endeavour, the minimalist project called Tavare (a project started in 2020) demonstrates how effective collaboration can lead to something unique and captivating. The music, in this case, isn’t just a background element; it’s an integral part of the overall experience, shaped by the synergy between Baker and his skilled musical partners.
In a world where music can be both chaotic and calm, the ability of musicians to connect is vital. Baker collaborates with Tristen Bakker, a Canadian editor and musician who brings her distinct flavour to the project. With a wealth of experience, Bakker has worked with various bands, including VROUW! and Otolitos. Her skills in playing bass and providing vocals enrich the soundscape created with slow-motion melodies, allowing the project to reflect deeper emotional layers.
Adding another dimension to this enchanting project is Ángela Muńoz, a talented Spanish dancer and drummer. Muńoz is also known for her work with various groups like nunofyrbeeswax, alongside Tristen in VROUW!and her previous collaboration with Baker in the Hypnodrone Ensemble, showcasing her diverse artistic talents. Her rhythmic expertise as a drummer complements the trio’s music perfectly.
Each member of Tavare contributes their unique skills, resulting in a rich and engaging audio experience that pulls us inside a music world that they have crafted together. A world that can appear Too Small To Be So High. The process of collaboration has a magical quality, as different musical elements come together to form something greater than the sum of their parts.
slow and intense radical minimalistic folk melodies played to open up new avenues of exploration for both the musicians and listeners…
The seven songs of Tavare’s debut album were created in June 2024 over the course of a day when they were rehearsing for a concert for Keith F’eM‘s Church In Session series at the Startbahn Berlin. What happened in those hours became the heart and soul of their own improvised creativity, filled with slow and intense radical minimalistic folk melodies played to open up new avenues of exploration for both the musicians and listeners.
This project showcases how music can weave together different influences, styles, and perspectives, leading to a shared journey that goes beyond the individual artist. The collaborative spirit that defines this initiative fosters an environment where creativity flows freely, pushing boundaries and embracing the unexpected. The songs are filled with the dark, sad and dangerous melancholy of the Australian Dirty Three, and the vocal beauty of Throwing Muses’ Kristin Hersh.
Each song bleeds just like our heart entwined and longing for eternal solace. Writing about the songs is like stabbing myself in the heart to stop the pain, so I leave it to you. However, a Thumb up from me, which means that nothing has been Left Behind…again. Aidan Baker‘s work on Tavare‘s debut Too Small To Be So High (a line that you can hear on Lucy) is a testament to the power of collaboration in music.
The relationships formed with talented individuals like Tristen Bakker and Ángela Muńoz highlight the beauty of collective creativity. This project not only offers a glimpse into the minds of these artists but also serves to inspire others in the creative community. As they work together to create immersive soundscapes, they remind us all that music, at its core, is about connection, whether it’s between musicians or with the audience. Through their combined efforts, this magical trio stands as a perfect representation of how harmonious collaboration can truly work wonders.
Label: God Unknown Records | Cruel Nature Records | Katuktu Collective
Band Links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
