Alien Ensemble - Alien Ensemble (2014)

The Alien Ensemble, an acoustic project from a member of electronica act Notwist, falls into territory originally scoped out by Todd Sickafoose’s Tiny Resistors… a place where modern jazz blends in neatly with indie-pop, chamber, post-rock, minimalism, folk, and really any other influence from any other genre that seems to fit at the time. Their self-titled album Alien Ensemble is a mesmerizing blend of influences that presents a cohesive sound very easy to connect with.
Alien Ensemble is comprised of bandleader Micha Acher (trumpet, indian harmonium), who is joined by The Notwist’s Karl-Ivar Refseth (vibraphone) and Andi Haberl (drums), as well as Mathias Götz (trombone, harmonium), Stefan Schreiber (bass clarinet; saxophone) Oliver Roth (alto flute) and Benni Schäfer (bass), all of them long-time friends and frequent collaborators of Acher’s over the years.

Unsurprisingly, the chemistry of this group and how they interact is quite unique: Alien Ensemble is a group of friends with a common goal – they want to explore sonic territory, break new ground, and ultimately create their own musical language. It’s an all-acoustic line-up, devoid of electronic enhancements. And even though all members have a background in jazz, this is no classic “jazz music” either – there’s simply no need to show off technical skills…

Since you’ll hear anything from Minimal Music to Krautrock influences, from delicate brass sections to the sound of New Orleans, it’s pretty much impossible to pigeonhole Alien Ensemble’s sound or slap a genre term on it. What’s more important: Micha Acher’s compositions, the way he arranges these songs and has these great musicians make them come alive, is certainly unique in Germany’s musical landscape. Always willing to think outside the box, Alien Ensemble’s music ultimately serves as a reminder that you need to get rid of pigeonholes and stereotypes if you want to create true art.

Tracklist:

01. Alien Circle (10:30)
02. D.A.G.C (6:57)
03. 1 (6:37)
04. Thousand Lights District (7:06)
05. The Prayer (1:01)
06. Three Doors Part 5 (5:15)
07. Modest Farewell (4:51)