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CRITIC REVIEWS
84
The Mancunian saxophonist and poet’s warm and wise album is a balm of spoken word and spiritual jazz, both strangely uncomfortable and strangely comforting.
80
It is wise in its approach – urging the need to face internal dilemmas that have been ignored for far too long.
80
The highlight is the backing, which drifts between spiritual jazz, skeletal dub and folksy minimalism, all the time featuring Fairbairn’s quiet, quavering tenor sax improvisations.
80
Though-provoking yet full of fun, DePlume's willingness to dig dep has turned up a genuine treasure.
80
The hushed vocals and distinctive sax of this Mancunian artist compel on an album with spontaneity at its heart.
80
Perhaps inevitably, given the way in which the album was created, there are things that don’t seem fully rounded or developed out. But this quibble aside, GOLD presents a refreshing voice that intrigues on every level.
79
The second coming heads for the edges of the road, creating unique new soundscapes differing extensively from Angus Fairbairn’s previous album.
Gold, the newest album from London-based saxophonist, composer and bandleader Alabaster Deplume is a wild listen that will take you to polar extremes. Some tracks float on by in a pleasant fog with gentle horns that transform me to an older time, while other challenge with more abstract compositions, eerie detours and spoke-word. The switches in between these spoken word works, free-jazz and spiritual gospel does make for a waky tracklist, but it’s really the variety that carries it ... read more
This album grew within my bones as I listened to it. It's so calming yet challenging and terrifying and hopeful. Alabaster DePlume is wonderful. I met him once in The Dog in Bolton, he was also very nice and put up with my drunken ramblings and encouraged me to keep writing.
Essential Track - A Gente Acaba (Vento Em Rosa)
Far out and funky fusion of spiritual jazz, afrobeat, spoken word, and chamber pop that has an out of it's time feel, but in a very good way; all strung together by Alabaster's weird, warbling saxophone
Standouts: I'm Good At Not Crying, Now (Stars Are Lit), Again, A Gente Acaba, Don't Forget You're Precious, Fucking Let Them, The World Is Mine, The Sound Of My Feet On This Earth Is A Song To Your Spirit, Do You Know A Human Being When You See One?, People – What's The Difference, Who Is ... read more
This album grew within my bones as I listened to it. It's so calming yet challenging and terrifying and hopeful. Alabaster DePlume is wonderful. I met him once in The Dog in Bolton, he was also very nice and put up with my drunken ramblings and encouraged me to keep writing.
Essential Track - A Gente Acaba (Vento Em Rosa)
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Track List
Total Length: 1 hour, 7 minutes
Year End Lists
| #30 | / | Crack Magazine |
| #40 | / | The Guardian |
| #43 | / | MOJO |
| #46 | / | Albumism |
| / | Slate |
Added on: February 2, 2022