album review: The Wires debut broad album
April 16th, 2013
The lively rhythmic tales the violin and cello unfold in local group The Wires is spell-binding.
Officially together since 2009, UMKC Conservatory alumni and Kansas City natives, violinist Laurel Morgan Parks and cellist Sascha Groschang have put their artistry to good use in their debut album. The group’s self-titled album exemplifies the different genres of training the musicians have had. KCUR described the album as “an alternative exploration in string sound.”
Also described as “crossover classical,” by the pair, the degree of emotion evoked within their haunting and dreamlike songs is highly tantalizing.
The first song, “Native,” portrays a level of mastery and form, as well as a high level of wonder and artistry within the movements of the song.
The second song, “Red Rock,” encompasses a Middle-Eastern sound with the plucking of strings and dark, alluring chords.
“Snap” takes a different, tango-like journey, bringing the listener down a tango-dancing detective’s story-line, and “Argentine” seduces the listener with a more noticeably recognized tango sound.
“Zero Is the River,” a darker song, embodies a gypsy-like melody, grabbing the listener’s attention with all its allure.
The broad-based influences are evident as the album’s closer, “Sligo,” which is an edgy piece with a bluegrass feel, is heard.
The pair’s training has ranged from rock to traditional folk and jazz genres, according to KCUR, and they have been playing together since their more orthodox classical music days at the Conservatory of Music and Dance.
Parks also plays with local folk-rock band, In the Pines, and both musicians have dabbled in symphonic orchestral work and chamber groups around the world.
Overall, the album begins with an array of sneaky, rhythmic dark melodies with obvious story lines, eventually leading to a ‘we can conquer all’ moral.
Even those not interested in classical music may rejuvenate an interest in these originally composed and eclectic pieces.