This London duo decided to take on Bela Bartok compositions and rework them through an experimental electronic context. Organized around electronics, that is, though both Steph K and Mateusz G (they like to keep a bit of anonymity, I guess) also play string instruments and piano. The pieces range from fairly straightforward renditions (with unusual instrumentation, of course) to pretty free interpretations. Both are exciting.

Immortal Machinery Bartok Reorganised (self-released)

Yet another recording that qualifies as a COVID challenge, the assembly of this had to have been a challenge. It sounds like it was recorded live to tape, but obviously it wasn't. The interplay between instruments recorded at separate times is exciting.

I know, that's what a good producer does. And this pair seems to have an exceptional feel for how to craft an album. The sounds veer from avant garde classical to introspective jazz, and they all fit. Bartok took a lot of chances, and that seems to have inspired Immortal Machinery.

A challenging listen as times, but absolutely enthralling throughout. Few people would have to ambition to create music like this; even fewer have the ability to actually succeed at the task. A special set.

Jon Worley