Two years after Truce, Markus Reuter returns with the second chapter “Truce 2,” once again in a trio with Fabio Trentini (multi-instrumentalist, producer, from Guano Apes to Orme through the Stickmen) and Asaf Sirkis (the prodigious Israeli drummer known for work with Tim Garland, John Abercrombie, Gary Husband and many others). “Truce 2” is a thrilling operation in the name of instrumental Rock, pyrotechnic but also wild and dynamic, which will thrill both the fans of King Crimson and those of Allan Holdsworth, both lovers of less stereotyped Fusion and lovers of new Progressive border.
“Truce 2” is the 120th publication of the New York indie-label Moonjune Records, which opens its 2022 with a powerful, uncompromising record, the result of five protagonists: Markus Reuter, Fabio Trentini, Asaf Sirkis, Leonardo Pavkovic and Stefano Castagna, owner by Ritmo & Blu Studios in Pozzolengo (BS), where the album was made. An authentic power trio, more than a one man band with two collaborators, Truce is a compelling operation for Touch Guitar, electronics, three basses and drums, made in a different way than the debut two years ago. Markus Reuter recalls: “We were recording in the Ritmo & Blu studios with engineer and co-producer Stefano Castagna, who became very important in the post-production process. Truce 2 was recorded in two days, with a third day reserved for overdubs and repairs. Fabio and I met again with Stefano a few weeks later, to mix and master the album in a few days. A big change for us, considering that the previous Truce was recorded in an afternoon with virtually no overdubs.”
Written by Reuter, Trentini and Sirkis, developed in a more articulated way than the first Truce but managed in such a way as not to waste energy and grit, “Truce 2” also saw Fabio and Asaf very involved. The basic idea, that of the power trio that starts from the origins – Jimi Hendrix Experience, ELP, Rush – to explore new possibilities, has been fully developed. Fabio Trentini recalls: “Truce taught me the art of letting myself fall, trusting my bandmates and trying to come up with something interesting in real time, without planning things. Truce 2, even if it is based on improvisations just like the previous, it’s a layered work. We invested more time in some overdubs and treatments and we were able to channel more colors and ideas into the disc. ” Asaf Sirkis also remarks the difference from the previous one: “Compared to our first album, Truce 2 has been a journey of discovery. How can we go to places we’ve never been? That’s the question that was often raised while we were recording this album. exploration has been both intense and rewarding and I hope you enjoy this musical journey with us.”
For an album created with the aim of bringing together writing and improvisation, overwhelming energy and structure, the role of the sound engineer is strategic, and Stefano Castagna was the right man in the right place, starting from the operating philosophy. “I immediately thought that the best thing to do was to press the accelerator which, in some respects, connects me to a period in which rock merged with the concepts of improvisation without necessarily falling into the formalities of jazz. All the recordings were made digitally in the 24/96 format. The computer and some indispensable digital solutions were used for post production and mixing, but in essence the work was mainly carried out in an analog environment. I have always believed that music has more expressive possibilities when the mixing follows certain criteria of greater human involvement. Often the mixes were performed in real time, trying to keep the philosophy of improvisation unchanged, in my opinion the strong point of Truce 2.”
Purchase the album on Bandcamp: https://markus-reuter-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/truce-2
Tracklist:
1. The Rake 08:42
2. Rounds of Love 05:59
3. Barren 05:14
4. Melomania 10:09
5. Consolation 07:13
6. River of Things 04:28
7. One Cut Suffices 08:13
