Etienne Nillesen

 Confusion in title not execution is one part of this single track, LP-length (less than 35½ minute) session. That’s because the dictionary definition of twee is of something so sweet or cutesy that it becomes saccharine. Considering that Köln-based Dutch percussionist Etienne Nillesen specializes in plucking and distending abrasive textures and timbres from a single snare drum, the title seems ill-conceived if not oxymoronic.

Instead Nillesen, who has been perfecting this sort of percussion prestidigitation for years solo, and in groups, with among others Georg Wissel and Matthias Muche, swaps sugariness for taunt biting actions. The result is a multi-timbral sequence chugging along at varying speeds and densities while simultaneously propelling a contrapuntal quivering ostinato of parallel patterns to the initial exposition.

There are interludes during which Nillesen’s harsh drum stick sides, top and bottom tones become so strident and unyielding that they threaten to become opaque. But a slackening of regularized screeches and patterns result in incremental movement towards sounds close to vocalized squeals and reflux. This blend of heavy percussion and idiophone distention defines the experiment.

As reverberating crunches turn circular and shrill squeaks become muted but still distinct, Nillesen confirms mastery of a percussion program that goes way past expected drum solos. There’s no hint of twee in the recital, so the title remains to be explained.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Twee

Personnel: Etienne Nillesen (extended snare drum)