Genre/Influences: Experimental, Cinematographic.

Format: Digital, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Norwegian musician and filmmaker Benjamin Finger and American multi-instrumentalist James Plotkin already released a first collaborative work (cf. “Pleasure Voltage”) in 2019. One year after they renewed their collaboration resulting in this EP featuring four songs.

Content: “We Carry The Curse” is an invitation to embark on a sonic trip, which is mixing pure Cinematographic music and Experimental sound treatments. A guest musician joined in to play cello on 2 tracks, which clearly injects an extra emotion, and an authentic touch to the work. The tracks are progressively built up, which explain the rather extended format of each cut.

+ + + : I like the dreamy, Cinematographic approach of the EP, which has been mixed with a more surprising Experimental input. Some analogue-like sounds create a cold and magic sensation. But the main strength and originality of the work consist of both tracks featuring cello playing by Elling Finnanger Snøfug. The cello is one of my all-time favorite instruments for its particular, emotional and melancholic sound. It creates an extra intimate touch to the work, the title song being the main attention grabber. Last, but not least I also have to say a word about the cool artwork of this vinyl.

– – – : The Experimental touch of both artists makes the originality of the work, but gets it also harder to catch.

Conclusion: “We Carry The Curse” is a pretty symbolic title for the time we’re living in, but it also is an invitation to dream… about a better world?!

Best songs: “We Carry The Curse”, “Aspire To Expire”.

Rate: (7½).

Artists: www.facebook.com/Benjamin-Finger-413771395319337 / www.plotkinworks.com  

Label: www.romannumeralrecords.com / www.facebook.com/romannumeralrecords