reviews
“Andre’ van Rensburg, who now lives in Taiwan, has been an esteemed member of the South African music scene for sometime having performed with Die Menere, Battery 9, Ohm and Supernature. Unfinished Cities his second solo album is a collection of thirteen instrumental pieces featuring world-renowned experimental/virtuoso koto player Chieko Mori and Yoko Ikoma on accordion and toy piano. South African violinist Brendan Jury, who formed Ohm with Van Rensburg in the late nineties, also guests. As a whole the album is an enchanting exploration of sound and despite the quality of his collaborators it is Van Rensburg’s solo guitar pieces that really impressed. Part 7 with its rich warm guitar tones encased in the silence that surrounds them, is something to truly behold, while on Part 12 it sounds like Van Rensburg is dismembering his guitar. This is not an album for everyone; in fact its appeal is likely to be limited. But if you have an interest in experimental music this is well worth a listen.”
“This is an album of experimental/avant guitar music. I know that some folks think it is easy to just make noise and call it avant-garde, but it isn’t easy to make something that’s as well organized and listenable as this release. Includes various guests, but this is predominantly a guitar album.”