Sphyr – A Poem to M
Sphyr are Ohad Benchetrit and David Mitchell of Montreal’s Do Say Make Think, with pianist / accordionist Milos Popovic, and poet / rapper Derek Stephens.
This inspired collaboration sounds quite unlike anything else, a synthesis of hip-hop and traditional folk music, which sounds potentially disastrous, but is in fact engaging, hypnotic and addictive. Benchetrit’s beautiful Spanish guitar and Popovic’s accordion recall early European folk music, but Stephens’ vocals are crammed with tension, urbanity and paranoia, sounding distinctly North American and modernistic. Stephens’ vocals are largely monotonous, but sermonised by hugely accentuated syllables delivered with conviction and passion.
The production is superb; natural and organic, the gentle tapping of accordion keys and the scratching of guitar strings illuminating the band’s performance. My only gripe with this record concerns Stephens’ poetry itself. Although his vocal style is surprisingly well matched to the unlikely instrumentation, his words are abstract and unfathomable to the point of meaninglessness, and it isn’t easy to connect emotionally to the music. I’m sure he’s trying to tell us something very personal and very important, but despite my thorough expert analysis I still have no idea what he’s on about. I’m sure the mysterious ‘M’, whoever he or she may be, appreciates the poetry more than I do. With or without any deeper meaning, this is a brave, adventurous and exciting record.
posted by Matthew at 6:59 AM
