Sun

This is another excursion into the minimalist sounds derived from drums, accordion and programming from this Austrian duo. Like their previous releases Most, Pflug, Luft and Song, Sun continues their string of monosyllabic album titles. In addition to the prevailing sound of Hans-Peter Falkner's accordion and Matkus Binder's backbeat-styled drumming, which at times grows tedious, Attwenger's music is enhanced greatly by the brassy Boban Markovic Orkestar, guitarist Fred Frith and the German band Couch. In fact, "Sie Den" and "Huad" are the high points of this album, both tracks featuring the accelerated brass arrangements of the Boban Markovic Orkestar. "Mei Bua" is a ten-minute mood piece driven by Frith's guitar work, which despite its monotony, is a welcome diversion from the overriding sameness of Sun. While definitely possessing their own unique sound Attwenger fails to cultivate their potential to attention-getting proportions. Perhaps by introducing more instruments on a more frequent basis, by expanding the band to a three or four piece, they would be able to more fully round out their sound and lift themselves from the predictability that has beset them.