Morten Lund and Andreas Eriksen took their adventurous 25 year Green Isac collaboration to a new level when they expanded the duo to a five member ensemble and rechristened themselves Green Isac Orchestra in 2015. 'b a r', their second album as the full-fledged Green Isac Orchestra and the seventh Green Isac album overall, is a brilliant expression of their electro-acoustic blend of kinetic rhythms, inventive melodies, and organic soundscapes.Rich with a generous helping of world-flavored percussion and minimalist textures, the music on 'b a r' is a compelling and often energetic fusion of fourth-world rhythms with a progressive edge. The lively trans-continental grooves maintain a solid, forward motion throughout the dynamic moods and interludes of refined, wide-open spaces. Acoustic instruments including piano, cello, marimba and a variety of drums & percussion work in concert with live electronics such as synthesizers, mellotron, electric guitar, therevox, and gizmotron, to create a dynamic and inspired set of tracks that overflow with imaginative originality.'Typically a small theme, rhythm, or soundscape is presented as a start point, and then the arrangements are made in rehearsals until we feel we are ready for recording.' says Eriksen. 'It has been quite refreshing working together as a group in this way, and we have really been focused on listening and responding to each other. Hopefully this reflects in the music and makes it more alive.'Tinted with the progressive hues of Eno, Tortoise, and King Crimson, 'b a r' finds it's home at the crossroads where West African polyrhythms meet the minimalism of Steve Reich and Nik Bärtsch. But whatever comparisons may come to mind, this iteration of Green Isac's music is as unique, innovative, and refreshing as ever. Modern and yet so perfectly timeless, Green Isac Orchestra's 'b a r' is a powerful statement from a finely-tuned ensemble firing on all cylinders.
