GAJOOB Review by Briyan Frederick, 2024:
Ricardo Arias and Violeta García’s collaborative work, AÑAGAZAS, ESTRATAGEMAS. JUGARRETAS Y TRETAS is a 2024 cassette release that captures the intricate dance of two avant-garde musicians engaging in a dialogue that is as equal parts subtle and profound. Each track feels like a room full of gestures where the artists coax and cajole their instruments to reveal deeply expressive and often surprising sounds.
Violeta García, an exceptional cellist from Argentina, demonstrates her prowess by conjuring a wide array of sounds from her cello. Her technique spans from deep, granular strokes to high-pitched calls that seem to flirt with the edges of human hearing. Each note she plays contributes to a rich tapestry of sound, making her performance both captivating and emotionally resonant.
Ricardo Arias, equipped with his unique bass balloon kit, proves to be an equally inventive partner. The bass balloon kit, with its elastic membranes, complements García’s cello in unexpected ways, creating a playful yet intricate interplay. The result is a conversation between two instruments that feels organic and alive, each responding to the other in real-time.
One of the standout features of this album is how the artists embrace quietude. They allow moments of silence to exist and gestate, giving the music space to breathe. These “instrument whispers” create a dynamic ebb and flow, inviting listeners to immerse themselves deeply in the auditory experience.
This project was born out of a meeting in Bogotá, when García visited in March 2020. The duo initially performed with Mange Valencia (of Meridian Brothers, Mirlitorrinco, etc.) under the name Asteroidea for matik-matik’s birthday celebrations—a legendary venue known for experimental sound. The pandemic’s onset provided an unexpected opportunity for Arias and García to record as a duo, and the resulting tracks reflect a sense of urgency and spontaneity that is both engaging and texturally rich.
“AÑAGAZAS, ESTRATAGEMAS. JUGARRETAS Y TRETAS” is a compelling exploration of texture, gesture, and improvisation. It rewards repeated listens, each session revealing new layers and nuances.
Media: Cassette.
Visit Public Eyesore Records
Bandcamp URL: https://publiceyesore.bandcamp.com/album/a-agazas-estratagemas-jugarretas-y-tretas
