Bowed + Popped is a split CD in the same vein (and presentation) as another Nurnichtnur release,
Rubbed + Blown (although this time information on the music is limited to what looks like graphical scores). This one presents works by
Michael Vorfeld,
Stephan Froleyks, and
Hans Tammen, all German artists already documented on the label. This time around, the highlight is
Michael Vorfeld's "x+x+x," a ten-minute piece for percussion instruments lightly reminiscent of
Harry Partch (mostly in the dramatic expression found here).
Froleyks' "Hispeedo" is a 37-minute seven-part suite with a set of tuned wood percussion instruments at its center. Voice samples appear occasionally and a different instrument is used in "Knives," but it still remains a non-dimensional piece. The album ends with
Hans Tammen's "Styrofoam," a suite in which he uses Styrofoam, it seems. It squeaks, pops, screeches, but the idea quickly wears thin. This piece has nothing to do with
Tammen's fantastic album
Endangered Guitars. Rubbed + Popped is faithful to Nurnichtnur's dedication to experiment with sound, the results are just not as convincing as usual. ~ François Couture