Mariska Baars/Wouter van Veldhoven/Rutger Zuydervelt

cd on Digitalis, October 2007

'Zeeg' represents the best that the Dutch underground has to offer. Combining the talents of Rutger Zuydervelt, Mariska Baars, and Wouter Van Veldhoven, this album shows off what can happen when the stars align. This is stunning in its scope and breadth. It's a sonic magic trick.

Most enchanting is how 'Zeeg' manages to slow time to a near stand-still. The sounds and motifs unfold like a snail trapped in tar; each note, each sound seemingly more important than the previous. The depth of sound is considerable, and the impact is immense. While the performers know exactly where they plan to take you, the listener remains shrouded in mystery. It's all about the journey and this is a deliciously delicate place to get lost in.
The care with which 'Zeeg' was improvised and created is obvious. But how, exactly, these three stalwarts manage to pull the listener down this diamond rabbit hole where stellar time is meaningless is a riddle. Through Van Veldhoven's use of tape recorders and metallophone to Baars' lovely voice that is endlessly manipulated and looped by Zuydervelt, everything clicks. Add in Zuydervelt and Baars guitar work and you have an exquisite combination. 'Zeeg' is simple. It is minimal. And it is pure beauty. If you cannot disappear here, then you aren't truly living.

Packaged in silkscreened cardboard jackets with original art by Mariska.

This cd costs 7 euro including postage

Buy at Bandcamp  (with immediate download)


Reviews

Subjectivisten

Mariska speelt gitaar en zingt zo nu en dan, Wouter bedient de muziekdoos, melodica, taperecorders en metallofoon en Rutger bezigt gitaar, loops en effecten. Ook deze cd bestaat uit 1 lange compositie, dit keer van maar liefst 37 minuten. Als een uiterst intelligent roofdier sluipt de muziek op je af, om je vervolgens te bespringen, niet meer los te laten en te verslinden. Het is buitengemeen intense ambient, vol drones, dromen en dwarrelende geluiden.

Ook hier is de hand van de meester te herkennen, zonder ook maar een millimeter afbreuk te doen aan de twee overige muzikanten.