When it comes to performing live, Elias Stemeseder has no tolerance for
gimmicks, bells, and whistles. With widened eyes the softly spoken, Austrian
blonde makes a firm statement, as deliberate and confident as the music he
plays: “When I go to a show I want to be exhilarated!”
Sure, it’s a simple mission on paper. But seeking that big, earth-shattering live jazz experience is like looking for love: you can put yourself in certain situations, anticipating the feeling, but the magic of exhilaration is not something you can force. It’s more a case of “When you know, you know.”
Sure, it’s a simple mission on paper. But seeking that big, earth-shattering live jazz experience is like looking for love: you can put yourself in certain situations, anticipating the feeling, but the magic of exhilaration is not something you can force. It’s more a case of “When you know, you know.”
This album was recorded in 2022, but its release was not manifested until
May 31st, 2024. Neon Dilemma’s self-titled first album celebrated its
arrival in Tonstudio Salon de Jazz and although only around 25 - 30 patrons
were present, the tiny Cologne jazz club packed out at full capacity. As
this was the release party, the music to come was also a debut performance.
The only preconceived notions were those of the musician’s reputations. Two
household names in the German/Austrian jazz circuits, Stemeseder on
piano/synth and Robert Landfermann - double-bassist extraordinaire - joined
by rising star Leif Berger on drums. (Author’s tip: Commit this name to
memory.)
If exhilaration was the aim then this was well and truly achieved. Naturally
the virtuosic speed and accuracy of the musicians were breathtaking to
behold, but the unique approach each player brought to his instrument made
for deeper layers of wonder: Landfermann provides cool and exciting
basslines as a swanky foundation, Stemeseder floats effortlessly over the
piano between staccato “glitch-style” pops and plinks through to
heartwarming glissando, and then there’s Berger, whose one-of-a-kind
drumming style sees him literally melting himself over the kit. There is so
much to take in sonically, but also, so much action and creativity unfolding
on the stage under those glowing, colourful stage lights, it is hard to
decide where to focus. Neon dilemma, indeed.
Live performance aside, the compositions are complex and keep you guessing.
Engaging, enticing, and wildly unpredictable in the best possible way, most
of the pieces are composed by Stemeseder and Landfermann and incorporate a
myriad of interesting compositional techniques such as the outro to “Etch
Nonspirituals;” a bizarre melody, the rhythm of which is played in unison
with the drums. It’s so impressive and fun to listen to.
But there are also moments of vulnerability and tenderness. None so tender as the ballad, and only Berger composition, “The Material from Which I Have Built My House.” The piece is light as a feather, drifting patiently along, providing a wonderful breath of fresh air to break up some of the intensity.
But there are also moments of vulnerability and tenderness. None so tender as the ballad, and only Berger composition, “The Material from Which I Have Built My House.” The piece is light as a feather, drifting patiently along, providing a wonderful breath of fresh air to break up some of the intensity.
On “Tox-Anselm” Stemeseder’s ghostly synth oscillates with a hint of detune; should a piece call for electronics or a subtle drone, Elias certainly has the knack for finding the appropriate sound for the piece. Such attention to detail is present throughout the recording, and transitions seamlessly to the live interpretation.
The pixelated font used on the back of Lea-Melina Berger’s album artwork
would not look out of place tattooed around her brother Leif Berger’s neck,
and while this disjointed aesthetic might be jarring for some, others will
find it refreshingly retro and colourful, with a dash of vaporwave.
Neon Dilemma is a criminally underrated album, deserving of a place among
any jazz critics' “Best of 2024” list. Certainly worth the 500km trip to
witness live, but for the more relaxed commitment of just 10 euros on
Bandcamp it’s… what’s the opposite of a dilemma? A no-brainer.
1 comments:
Your review sent me to BC and I listened. Then I bought. This is exhilarating stuff. Great for a beautiful Friday morning in Maine (US).
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