Based on a longstanding relationship of closeness and mutual respect, this pair of luminaries from Melbourne, Australia, has been meeting up occasionally since the 1990s, resulting in Guthrie’s participation in Ambarchi’s acclaimed ‘Hubris’ and the release of the former’s albums on the latter’s Black Truffle label, in addition to a discreet document dated 2019 on Some Fine Legacy of a duo concert at the legendary Cave12 in Geneva – ‘Knotting’, as it is called. Based on an ever-evolving piece by Ambarchi entitled ‘Knots’, whose life has been perpetuated in new configurations, both solo and in collaborations, ‘Knotting’ remains, for now, the most immediate and speculative access to what this duo may bring to the Aquário stage. Guthrie’s insistent ride sustains Ambarchi’s subterranean guitar drones in a flow that gains rhythmic and harmonic propulsion in a mutual agreement between skins and cymbals stoked by free jazz fire and the cascade of sparkling electricity in Ambarchi’s explosion of notes. Not wanting to fix this moment too much as a harbinger, even with all the accumulated time and wisdom, but excited by it, we can always turn to the objectivity of both of this duo’s CVs. Between them, they have recordings on such influential labels as eMego, iDEAL, Southern Lord, Kranky, and Clean Feed, in addition to a collection of collaborations ranging from jazz musicians such as Evan Parker and Roscoe Mitchell, contemporary composers such as Sarah Hennies and Annea Lockwood, electronic musicians such as Mark Fell and Thomas Brinkmann, and other musicians without genre boundaries: Keiji Haino, Jim O’Rourke, so much personality. And if Guthrie has been a more than justified recurring presence at ZDB, this return with his compatriot brings even more reasons to celebrate. For everything that has already been written here, but even more so for everything that is yet to be witnessed.
BS

The Lisbon duo Garoa — formed by the Brazilian musicians Raphael Soares (drums and percussion) and Henrique Dias (piano, synthesizer, guitar, and percussion) — creates a soundscape that blends Afro-Brazilian rhythms with ambient textures.
In their latest release, recorded in May 2024 at Estúdio Fetra, Garoa presents an exploration where harmonies and rhythms unfold organically, avoiding rigid structures and embracing full-time improvisation. The album’s compositions are anchored by the interaction between Soares’ fluid percussion and Dias’ expansive harmonic approach. Tracks such as “A Sandália Quadrada de Lampião” and “Xaxado de Chicago” weave percussive patterns reminiscent of Northeast Brazil, blending them naturally with atmospheric synthesizers.
“Baião de 2” and “Farofa e Cachaça” carry the unmistakable swing of traditional Brazilian forms, reinterpreted through the lens of Garoa.
Produced and mixed by Kellzo, the album captures the spirit of a collaboration that thrives on fluidity and openness. Garoa does not seek definitive statements; instead, it invites the listener into an evolving soundscape where tradition and experimentation go hand in hand.