Auto Da Fe-The Spectre

Auto Da Fe was formed in 2000 in Pomona, CA by Martin Kvisvic (Pyramids on Mars, Amps For Christ) and Tara Tavi (Amps For Christ, Soddamn Inssein, Aye Aye Captain [with Dame Darcy], Blue Silk Sutures and ThunderSnail). Pan-global instrumentation includes yang qin, guzheng, tambur, bouzouki, tablas, wood marimba, balalaika, handmade electric zithers, Gothic harp, Chinese banjo, Tibetan temple cymbals and bells as well as traditional guitar, bass, trumpet, and drums.

"Martin Kvisvic and Tara Tavi of Amps for Christ teamed up in Auto Da Fe to mess up with the geopolitics of our planet. Using a brilliantly mismatched arsenal of traditional instruments, the two of them shatter cultural and political frontiers. Through the course of the 18 tracks, the listener is treated to guzheng (a Chinese zither), Tibetan cymbals, tambur, balalaika (a Russian lute), bouzouki, and various bowed instruments, in addition to Gothic harp and tablas (performed by guest musicians), and more conventional (i.e. Western) instruments. The songs -- all original, it seems, but there are no songwriting credits -- mimic folk styles to add to the cultural confusion. For instance, 'Past Times' sounds very much like an old English song*, except that Tara's voice is backed by guzheng. Following a similar logic, 'Ne'er Do will' could be a skiprope rhyme, 'Huar Weishenme' would be a Jewish lament, and 'The Spectre' might be a frantic East-European instrumental tune. But the instrumentation always sends such issues out the window. What is left is this duo's unbridled creativity, their knowledgeable disregard toward tradition, and Tara Tavi's voice, at times charming, haunting or scary ('Undun'). Several guests contribute to the sound palette, including members of Man is the Bastard. The overall attitude is definitely that of the underground folk scene, but ignores its improvisational/jam aspect; The Spectre is thoroughly composed and focuses on catchy -- if unpredictably arranged -- tunes. A find to treasure and one of the truly surprising albums of 2006." - Francois Couture in All-Music Guide

* Past Times IS an old English song-it was written by King Henry VIII in the early part of the 16th Century. It is thought to be written for Catherine of Aragon, and as it stands it is a great choice of opener for The Spectre, and a good indication of the procession that follows. Martin Kvisvic is also known as Pyramids on Mars and is known for developing his own instruments, which include solid body electric sitar stick (long sitar), two cello sticks, electric dulcimer, oud and bouzookie.




link here

http://www.mediafire.com/?sg8kkwc23t1u8ft