Volac: Book of Angels Volume 8
Erik Friedlander · 2007
41 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-garde jazz with intricate arrangements and emotive string compositions that challenge and enchant.
Top tracks — play these first
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Harhazial — This opening track sets a dynamic tone with its compelling interplay between strings and rhythm, establishing the album's thematic exploration right from the start.
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Haseha — Featuring a haunting melody and rich textures, this piece demonstrates Friedlander's skill in weaving emotional depth into complex jazz structures.
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Ahaniel — The closing track encapsulates the album's essence with its expansive soundscapes and intricate layering, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and a unique sound within the avant-garde jazz genre.
What we noticed
- The album maintains a consistent thematic focus on the mystical and abstract, with titles referencing angelic figures.
- Several tracks incorporate extended techniques on strings, such as harmonics and bowing variations, enhancing the avant-garde feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- captivating melodies for deep focus
- immersive experience through intricate textures
- wave-like pacing for reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, predictable structures
- seek instant gratification from tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2007, Erik Friedlander was solidifying his reputation as a distinctive voice in the jazz world, following previous acclaimed works like 'Block Ice & Propane' (2005). 'Volac: Book of Angels Volume 8' is part of John Zorn's ongoing series, showcasing Friedlander's ability to interpret complex compositions while simultaneously exploring his unique artistic voice.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mark Feldman· Matana Roberts· Nils Frahm
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Harhazial 4:37
- 2 Rachsiel 2:40
- 3 Zumiel 1:40
- 4 Yeruel 3:25
- 5 Sannul 1:19
- 6 Haseha 4:37
- 7 Kadal 3:53
- 8 Ahaniel 5:45
- 9 Ylrng 1:38
- 10 Anahel 4:19
- 11 Sidriel 3:04
- 12 Zawar 4:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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