Rachel's
Systems/Layers (Quarterstick)
By Jim Keller
Published: November 19th, 2003 | 6:23pm
They say don't judge a book by its cover, but looking at the photo of contributor Akiko Aizawa on the cover of Systems/Layers actually reveals the melancholy within. Rachel's sixth release on Quarterstick combines music and photographs of members of the SITI Company and the band with field recordings and a guest appearance by Shannon Wright, addressing issues of modern urban life. With string instruments peeping around every corner, it's perfect to get lost in during chilly autumn months when you return home, kick off your shoes, and curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea.
Though Rachel's has a definite line-up (including Jason Noble and Rachel Grimes), the band seems to constantly redefine itself; combining its talent with several outside musicians, the result is stunning and beautiful. At times, upon hearing the first few notes of a song, you know that its sheer composition will suck your heart into its core like a black hole. "Water from the Same Source" is one of those songs, with violins wrestling pianos as a steady cymbal shimmers until the beat breaks and the violins and piano team up, playing the same melody, but ultimately going their separate ways. "Wouldn't Live Anywhere Else" is the perfect suburban soundscape, with birds chirping, distant police sirens, and an ice cream truck twinkling on the corner while a family chats quietly on a porch. Simultaneously, violins threaten to explode in the background, rising until they come to a screeching halt.
These are just a few of the untold stories of this disc, where each track is a dazzling display of musical euphoria that leaves the listener begging for more. Although they have been compared to everyone from Mogwai to Godspeed You Black Emperor!, Rachel's prove that their layers are not skin deep.
Issue #25
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