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I was reminded of some of my favorite recent CDs when I listened to Archetribe. Coming to mind were Mars Lasar “Karma,” Open Canvas, or the best of David Arkenstone’s latest CDs, and it all adds up to one of the best ethno-tribal ambient releases in years. Uniquely blending rhythm and exotic textures alongside its use of melodies, played on flutes, duduk, and clarinet, with healthy infusions of tribal-ambient elements, the album is a marvel of varied moods and tempos through its fourteen tracks, The group includes a name which should be known to any fan of electronic music – Larry Fast from the pioneering group Synergy (synthesizers). In addition, Jamal Mohamed plays percussion (to the max!), Flavio Gaete on viola, Ken Field with various flutes, Gunnard Doboze on duduk and clarinet, and Dave DeMarco takes care of bass and baritone guitar. Led by the synths, guitars, voice and percussion of Matthew Davidson, the group Archetribe moves through moods with, at times, dark, mysterious, even a bit foreboding, with equal emphasis on soloing and superb ensemble work. Very engaging, and a CD with broad crossover appeal from world music aficionados to ambient and even ethno-tribal fans as well. Matthew’s previous work on “Blue Forest Mass” gave some indication of where things were headed musically, but ‘Earthtones” surpasses any preconceived ideas of how it would all fit together.
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