Mravka

Citing influences such as Ben Folds Five and The Bad Plus, Australians the David Dower Trio blend elements of jazz, pop, rock and – on this record – traditional Bulgarian sounds to create an atmosphere that you can pretty much guarantee you’ve never heard or even considered before; unless, that is, you’ve heard one of their acclaimed previous albums which take inspiration from the Balkan nation in which they enjoy enduring popularity.

If you’ve heard Bulgarian choral music before then you’ll recognise the opening timbre of this album, with its close female vocal harmonies from guest musicians Rayna Vasileva, Pirina Hristova and Gabriela Milanova; joined by piano, bass and drums. Another ingredient, found throughout the album, is what attracts so many people to Bulgarian music: prime number time signatures. In this pairing they are a perfect match for the experimental grooves of the trio and the two sides of the collaboration complement each other exceptionally. With just the right balance between composition and improvisation, energy and dreaminess, tradition and innovation, Dower has made something truly remarkable.