World In World

Jules Reidy

I will always be here for innovative solo guitar players. The newest one I've been turned on to was Berlin based Jules Reidy. World In World, their fourth album, is a unique blend of microtonal guitars, electronic bleeps, environmental sounds, and droning auto-tuned vocals. The compositions are repetitive, but easy to get yourself lost into given the warped and woozy melodies produced by Reidy's just-intoned guitar. Aside from the main guitar lines, there are also many impressive sonic details that appear fleetingly like distant mirages. World In World is a challenge to listen to due to its micro-tonality, and it took me a little bit to acclimatize my ear to melodies that sound incredibly out of tune. What amazes me, however, is how Reidy can occasionally incorporate a melodic line that sounds oddly harmonious. Paradise In Unrecognizable Colours I think is the best example of this as Reidy's harmonics perfectly respond to the ascending guitar melody. It is certainly the lightest I've felt as I was listening to this record, and may be a good introduction if you are unsure about breaking away from the standard twelve-tone music you are accustomed to. If by solo guitar, you are expecting some virtuosic playing, this record will sadly not satisfy that. Although, Reidy's strengths lie in creating sonic palettes that effectively build an atmospheric world that you would likely have yet to experience.