Short Reviews [Tear - 2019 - "City of Memories"]

‘City of Memories’ is the second album from the TEAR project of Markus Reuter (touch guitar, electronics) and Mark Wingfield (electric guitar, electronics) and was recorded live on the Irene Trudel radio show (WFMU FM, Jersey City, NJ), on February 14th, 2017. Although this is the second release, it predates ‘Secret Music’ by some 16 months in terms of performance, each album featuring improvised live recordings. Unlike ‘Secret Music’ which featured two pieces of more than sixteen minutes in length, this features three which all break the ten-minute barrier but are not as lengthy. As one would expect, this is experimental music from two master musicians taking their instruments to extremes, using technology to get the most out of their guitars, but rarely playing what one would normally expect from a guitarist. This is King Crimson and Tangerine Dream being thrown together improvisation where the musicians work on feel and no roadmap as to what they are going to deliver. Consequently, each of their performances is a moment in time, as they explore their instruments and creativity, knowing what is going to happen only a split second before the listener. This will not be for everyone, and can indeed be quite challenging and abrasive, yet is also exhilarating and enthralling.