The Vuvuzela Strikes Back

A few weeks ago, I wrote a review which lauded the cello as a great drone instrument. Now, let me add another – the vuvuzela. Two years after the vuvuzela terrorized the world, it returns, but this time, I welcome it with drone, if not open, ears.

An abandoned warehouse in the town of Lamač lies in western Slovakia, a stone’s throw from Austria, is a the setting for a wonderful improvisation by 900 Piesek and Drén called Cups And Pentacles on the Treetrunk netlabel. This 30-minute work uses the vuvuzela, Slovak shepherd’s flute and various junk and garbage found in the building. Not only is this a great idea, it is also executed fantastically as well. Cups and Pentacles is a found-sound improvisation that works with these instruments and a variety of objects scraped and banged together, but echoes heard throughout which makes this album work adding drama and bigness to the sound.

Artist: 900 Piesek and Drén
Title: Cups And Pentacles
Netlabel: Treetrunk
Released: 2 July 2012
Download zip: mp3
CC BY-NC-ND