home > browse > cd-feature > view article

Kerretta: Saansilo

  Tobias Fischer

Kerretta return with their classic line-up - and yet with a remarkably un-classic sound. It is an extremely resonant, distorted and succinct bass which is holding these almost exclusively uptempo pieces together, firmly grounding them in conjunction with the drums. And yet, to add a bit of mystery to the proceedings, there is no keyboarder involved according to the liner notes. So what, exactly, is happening here?

With all likelihood, the plain and simple answer is that guitarist David Holmes isn't just his recognisable licks, lines and riffs, but also contributing either unison or self-contained (guitar-)synths, running in sync with the rest of the material, probably supported by a line-up of loopers in the live situation. Russian Circles come to mind, not just with regards to the technical side of things, but also in terms of compositional approach: Keretta are growing their pieces from a series of motives and micro-melodies with an open, modal character. As a result, each chord and theme opens up a space for what's to follow, creating floating movements of silvery shapes.

If that sounds too enigmatic for you: Rush occasionally sound similar, if one were to subtract the vocals. So do High Dependency Unit, also from New-Zealand, also a trio, also instrumental. While High Dependency Unit, however, have carved out a somewhat more raw sound for themselves, Kerretta are sporting a filigree attitude, even in their most brutal moments. And it is, again, mostly the bass, which is taking things that decisive step further.

And yet, heaviness does play a role – if you decide to buy the vinyl version, that is, which is said to come in a cover weighing in at a full kilo. Sounds incredible.

By Hellmut Neihardt

Homepage: Kerretta
Homepage: Golden Antenna Records