The Alvaret Ensemble is back with the long awaited third album 'Ea'. 'Ea' was recorded over three nights
in a small church in the Netherlands. As usual the group invited other
musicians to join, as they did on the first two albums and also during
their live concerts. On 'Ea' the group is expanded with the Polish
violist Olga Wojciechowska and Portuguese cellist Joana Guerra, which became permanent members since the recordings.
Just like on previous recordings The Alvaret Ensemble began to play
without scores or discussion. The setting in the church, recording at
night and the prominent role for the string section results in an album
that comes closer the "Alvaret’s" first album than to "Skeylja". Again
there were hours of recordings, which took the group months again to
compile and mix the album. Release dates were even postponed, as some
first editions of the album were eventually rejected by the band itself,
to start the whole process over again. At long last the group came to
the double album 'Ea' and gave it a new home on the new
record label 'Laaps'. In reviews the "Alvaret’s" debut was stated to be
tender, quiet and restrained; an introspective album, which stark
beauty was perfect for winter, when color has been leeched from the
landscape and all has been laid bare. "Ea" might fit that description
perfectly. Even better, maybe
'Ea' is available as double lp and single cd at Laaps Records.