Zweiton: Form

If you are not familiar with the world of Touch Guitar (www.touchguitars.com), then you are also not aware of the enormous talents of the German instrumentalist, Alexander Paul Dowerk. Dowerk fronts a band called Zweiton, who combine elements of Prog Rock/Metal with a minimalistic and unique approach. The results are mind-blowing, with a genre crossing musical vision. The 6 instrumental pieces included on this record, entitled Form, feature awe-inspiring performances with heavy groove, crazy polyrhythms and a down right catchiness that is unmistakable. The music is complex and powerful while still maintaining a minimalistic feel.

The second half of the band is the amazing and virtuoso drummer, Alexis Paulus (fans of Gavin Harrison will LOVE this guy!) and along with Dowerk they make up the wonderful Zweiton. Paulus and Dowerk have had a working relationship for 10 years now and it shows. Their use of percussion, electronica and programming really help mold their overall sound. Form has been 3 years in the making and the improvisational performances captured here are simply spectacular, falling in between Jazz/Fusion and Prog Rock. This is something that I could envision Robert Fripp or John McLaughlin doing; only Zweiton do it heavier and funkier than either of those pioneers would.

The Touch Guitar is an 8 stringed instrument that can be played much in the vein of a Chapman Stick, but in a more practical and much more guitar friendly (think Stanley Jordan). Dowerk slaps, plucks, strums and taps his way around his favored U8 model and it all pretty much sounds like a normal guitar, but it also doesn't! He is able to play the Touch Guitar like a "normal" guitar or invoke other techniques that bring the instrument alive. It really is quite an amazing instrument that also has its own culture around the world and all over the web.

The 6 songs contained on Form are all amazing and HIGHLY entertaining and enjoyable to listen to. I haven't been able to stop listening to it! The production is stellar, resulting in a deep, lush and vivid sound. Add in the fact that the guitar tones produced came from this 8 stringed U8 Touch Guitar and that takes things to an entirely new level. Dowerk's playing in very much FOR the song and he allows the undertone of the song to take his soloing along with it, not against it. The music is world class, with an infectious groove throughout but once it grabs you, it will not let you go. None of the tracks on this release are self indulgent or for "musicians only" and will find a home with anyone that enjoys great music. I can't recommend this record enough!

Track Listing
1.Sand
2.Triebwerk
3.9 Days of Tripping
4.Eis
5.Fehlfunktion
6.Licht

Added: December 8th 2012
Reviewer: Butch Jones
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 4093
Language: english

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