Guitarist, composer, and musical dadaism aficionado Cameron Pikó, known by his moniker Montresor, is set to release his third album. Following his 2011 debut album Daybreak and his 2015 sophomore release Entelechy, the new album Autopoiesis marks a drastic stylistic shift while maintaining the core essence of his unique sound.
A lifelong devotee of progressive and experimental music, Pikó’s first album was a love letter to prog rock, blending virtuosic guitar licks of the 80s with the progressive sensibilities and complex time signatures of bands like King Crimson and Jethro Tull, and the melodic intensity of contemporary guitar bands like Ratatat and The Sword. While Autopoiesis diverges significantly from the powerful rock elements of Entelechy, it retains the unmistakable Montresor touch.
The album’s title track, “Autopoiesis,” is a testament to Pikó’s ability to fuse technical instrumental progressive rock with classical instrumentation. Featuring a blend of clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, piano, harpsichord, and marimba alongside guitars, bass, and drums, the composition navigates through oddly timed rhythms, polymeters, and bitonality. The track is a rich and textured soundscape that demands attentive listening to appreciate its intricate layers.
Another standout track, “Funkminster Bullerene,” showcases Pikó’s jazz fusion influences with a playful yet complex arrangement. The song features syncopated bass lines and intricate drum patterns, interwoven with guitar melodies that shift seamlessly between angular riffs and smooth, flowing phrases. The addition of classical instruments adds depth, creating a dynamic interplay between the traditional and the modern.
The closing track, “Belewga Whale,” is a mesmerizing journey that starts with a minimalist piano motif and gradually builds into a full orchestral crescendo. Pikó’s guitar work is both emotive and technically precise, guiding the listener through a landscape of shifting time signatures and harmonic complexity. The piece culminates in a powerful finale that leaves a lasting impression.
Autopoiesis is clearly a labor of love, with some compositions dating back to the 2018 February Album Writing Month challenge. Influenced by the Rock in Opposition (RIO) movement of the late 70s, the album pays tribute to bands like Henry Cow and Univers Zero. This influence is evident in the album’s blend of technical proficiency and experimental daring.
The wild ride that is Autopoiesis reflects Pikó’s passion for diverse musical exploration. Despite the surprising direction this album takes, it should come as no shock that he is eager to push Montresor in as many different directions as possible. However, it will undoubtedly surprise and intrigue his fans, offering a fresh and innovative take on progressive music.
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