The term “ghosted” carries a negative connotation in the zeitgeist. It describes making a connection with someone virtually and then having that (usually short-lived) link severed when they vanish without a trace. Oren Ambarchi, Johan Berthling, and Andreas Werliin flip the script on the “g” word, implying a sense of longstanding affinity and connectedness with their music. As a trio – Ambarchi playing guitar, Berthling on the bass, and Werliin manning the drumkit – they operate as a tight unit, unfurling complex polyrhythms in lockstep. Ghosted II is only their sophomore album yet they act as if they’re intertwined vines that have grown together for ages. They reach toward the heavens together.
It’s no surprise that these three adept musicians can commune with each other: Ambarchi is a serial collaborator with a long list of workmates, while Berthling and Werliin make noise together as two-thirds of Fire! alongside Mats Gustafsson.On this second coming together, the trio embarks on a journey fuelled by rhythm and groove. Werliin beats out polyglot codes on the drums, effortlessly sliding into globetrotting rhythms. His polyrhythmic pulse can whirl dancily or glide introspectively, and we are treated to both modes on Ghosted II. Berthling’s basslines are incredibly melodic, bouncing around in response to Werliin’s beats or taking the lead and providing a foundational throb for the other two players to glide on. Ambarchi manages to make his guitar sound like pure beauty, unleashing glistening tone clusters, and featherlight fog banks. He floats alongside his sparring partners, weaving streamers of gold and silver into the already complex chains that they’ve crocheted.
When the three elements combine – guitar, bass, and drums – in this trio’s hands, they conjure an alchemical synergy and sparks certainly fly. That the results get increasingly funky with each release is a bonus. I’m already excited for the next edition of Ghosted to arrive.
Foxy Digitalis depends on our awesome readers to keep things rolling. Pledge your support today via our Patreon or subscribe to The Jewel Garden.
