Alf Jetzer‘s recent album UNFOLDING immerses in its hypnotic, atmospheric songcraft — blending guitars, Armenian duduk, African udu percussion, frame drums, shakers, flutes, singing bowls, and beyond. The result is delightful, showcasing an array of spirited compositions shaped by Jetzer’s precise and patient artistic process, which he calls “musical painting.”
“There was a Time” opens the album with an enveloping atmospheric intrigue, weaving pit-pattering rhythms and soaring instrumentation. The mixture of hypnotic percussion and sporadically unveiling instrumentation makes for a cinematic, riveting sound. “Zeitgeist” comes next and continues the release’s knack for transportive soundscapes. There, a lonesome guitar crawl moves into a throbbing percussive pulse and lushly absorbing stylishness, maneuvering with introspective allure as the free-flowing guitar glistening and chilly synth tones intertwine. The vibrant, bustling prowess of opener “There was a Time” and the serenely engrossing charm of the ensuing “Zeitgeist” showcase the artist’s eclectic tonal range.
Another standout track, “OASIS” also envelops in its debonair guitar tones and captivating backing textures, here exuding a marimba-like trickling and icy synth pad resemblance as the track unfolds into a spaciously satiating send-off. “Almost There” then arrives with an intersection of bursting guitar expressions and panting-like undercurrents, impactful in its melodic direction, while album finale “Cosmic Lila” succeeds as well, consuming in its wandering guitar lines, invigorating dashes of frolicking instruments, and tropical-feeling trickling warmness. UNFOLDING is a gripping success of an album from Alf Jetzer.
Jetzer elaborates further on his creative process and how the album came to be:
“Since I devoted myself entirely to composing and perfecting my music and recording it for decades, I never had time for anything else. For me, music (enhanced through years of meditation) is and always has been the real path. As a result, I have practically no palmares to show. Instead, I can now offer a long-matured “product” that is unique in its form. Only a few musicians have the patience to see something like this through (composing/recording as a standalone art). You must forget about the “big deal” because it can negatively affect the process. But now it’s the time to go out.”
“UNFOLDING” represents a high point in my work. Dedicated work which took over 2 years to realize. I have compiled my 40 years of experience in recording in “Unfolding.” One important thing applies to all products and activities: the more dedication you invest in a product, the more “soul” and vitality it can convey.”
