Spinning in the Wheel

Projeto Arcomusical has the mission statement of bringing joy to the world through the berimbau and their intricate pieces are closer to classical minimalist music than music of the Afro-Brazilian art form of capoeira. Circles are the overarching theme with the opening composition ‘Roda’ by Elliot Cole exposing the listener to cyclical melodies, rhythms and harmonies through four movements. On the whole this project works because there is just so much space, which makes it very easy to follow the progression of each composition.

As an album, though, it's problematic. The four movements of ‘Roda’ cover such a wide range of musical concepts that once it finally ends, the second half of the album suffers from using more of the same techniques, with the most interesting and diverse composition, ‘Berimbau Sextet No 2 ‘Traíra’’, left until last. Each berimbau can make around three or four different sounds, so a little does go a long way, and this album feels the same. Overall, it's an interesting listen that will be enjoyed by fans of minimalist classical music, rather than by capoeiristas. Projeto Arcomusical know what they're doing with nods towards Brazilian music, but focus more towards a contemporary style.