Lars Horntveth: The Joker
Smalltown Supersound

Kieran Hebden's contribution to this single (CD and 12”) from Jaga Jazzist leader Horntveth may be the drawing card for some listeners but in fact the freer-floating “Tics (Four Tet Remix)” proves the least memorable of the single's tracks. Oh, it's credible enough and offers strong contrast with the others but it's the beautiful title track that impresses most. Following a slide guitar intro, the bass clarinet voices the song's wistful theme against glitchy beats, marimbas, and bowed cellos before ceding the spotlight to a nine-piece string ensemble. Per Martinsen's 'Mental Overdrive' remix emphasizes the track's funkier side yet wisely retains the original's lovely chord sequence and dreamy theme. (Incidentally, “Tics” and “The Joker” both appear on Horntveth's solo debut Pooka.)

November 2004