Daniel Menche And Kevin Drumm - Gauntlet

Review by Michael Townsend

Gauntlet, the collaborative album by Daniel Menche and Kevin Drumm, is a sonic journey that takes the listener through a range of intense and immersive soundscapes. The album is a masterful blend of Menche's signature field recordings and Drumm's experimental noise textures, resulting in an engaging and captivating listening experience.

The opening track, "Gloaming," sets the tone for the album with its eerie, unsettling ambiance. The track gradually builds in intensity, with Menche's field recordings of insects and birds layered over Drumm's distorted guitar drones. The result is a haunting and otherworldly soundscape that draws the listener in.

As the album progresses, the duo explores a variety of sonic territories, from the hypnotic rhythms of "Pulse" to the abrasive noise of "Grind." Each track is a unique exploration of sound, with Menche and Drumm expertly crafting each element to create a cohesive whole.

The album's standout track is "Duel," a 17-minute epic that builds to a frenzied climax of crashing cymbals and distorted feedback. The track is a perfect showcase for Menche and Drumm's collaborative skills, with each artist pushing the other to new heights.

Summary by Michael Townsend

Gauntlet is a must-listen for fans of experimental music. Menche and Drumm have crafted an album that is both challenging and rewarding, a testament to their skill and creativity as artists. Highly recommended.