Nels Cline
Coward
Cryptogramophone
By George W. Harris

Nels Cline has pulled out all the stops on his most recent release, playing all the instruments, which range from various guitars and electronics to the zither (!). And just what is a “”kaossilator”, anyway? But, I digress. The 72 minute excursion mixes uncomplicated folk music (“The Nomad’s Home”, “The Androgyne”) with music that is reminiscent of Brian Eno and Robert Fripp (“Thruston County” “Seedcaster”). Some of the guitar loops are reminiscent of The Beatles’ “Revolver” days (“Interrupted”), while the eerie zitherian moments conjure up images of The Third Man” (“X Change”). Experimental, yet quite disarmingly intimate.