Burnt Belief-Etymology (Alchemy Records)

Burnt Belief is an instrumental collaboration between Porcupine Tree bassist Colin Edwin and US guitarist Jon Durant (Alchemy is Durant’s label). I am admitting up front that I haven’t followed either artist, though I have been aware of Porcupine Tree for years. After listening to this song suite, I think I have missed out and need to remedy that immediately! Etymology is nearly uncategorizable as it mashes together so many styles, from world beats to fusion and back. Electric violinist Steve Bingham adds masterful flourishes a la Jean-Luc Ponty to songs like the internationally flavored “Dissemble” (my firm favorite). Opening track “Chromatique” moves like an ominous mist over and through you before Durant and Edwin charge in with bold musical strokes that surge into a mind storm. Mastery of their chosen instruments is obvious, for to create complex soundscapes like these is not for the faint of heart. “Precis” tiptoes in and carefully layers and builds sound, ultimately adding lovely trumpet (synth generated) to the mix! “Hraunfossar” starts off in ambient splendor but soon kicks it up to a fusion masterpiece. I adore the waterfall of keyboards and the massive bass lines that trickle around the edges and provide the foundation for this tune. Durant is often compared to Robert Fripp, and I get the comparison, but this song (dare I say it) even wanders into Pat Metheny territory. It is a sunlit dreamscape that ends all too quickly.

By the time “Convergence” rolled around, I was fully engaged and immersed in this record. Music floats about you and almost mimics whale song for a short bit. This song shifts gears multiple times, and the fuzzed out sonics are pretty wild. “Rivulet” is more straightforward fusion, with lovely piano. The stunning “White Keys” also stands out, coming deep from the heart of space with trippy electronics skittering in the background. “Not Indifferent” floats along in its own little world until suddenly it ramps things up a notch and ends on a high note. The remaining songs are all good, and the album ends before you expect it. In summary, Etymology is a 70 minute trip into a mysterious world of fast-paced fusion, ominous overtones, unexpected flourishes of violin, and electronic beats scattered through its whole. Recommended for fans of prog rock, jazz, post rock, or anyone who enjoys unusual and expertly crafted music.