Moritz Von Oswald Trio – 'Vertical Ascent' Vinyl 2 x LP

The fastidious density of sound, the massive bass and detailed upper registers, the stripped, stepping repetitiousness, the seriousness — all present and correct, these signatures of Moritz’ work with Mark Ernestus as Basic Channel, Maurizio, and Rhythm And Sound. The startling newness here stems from the qualities of live performance — the driving, clattering percussion in particular, and the loose, improvisatory approach — and the exploded palette of sounds, including a trace of steel drums, and something like a cuica. The Trio is Moritz alongside Vladislav Delay and Max Loderbauer. At the heart of their epic excursions here is a dream crossing of classic Berlin techno, On-The-Corner Miles Davis, Larry Heard and Can, as at home with calypso as it is Stravinsky.