3 out of 5

Label: Subsound Records

Produced by: Knox Chandler with Bobby Previte

A dreamscape of Knox Chandler’s guitar “sound ribbons,” and Bobby Previte’s drumming – walking a purposefully wavering line between watery support and marching instruction – the simply titled ‘Previte Chandler’ offers up nine tracks of interesting wanderings, though the overall experience doesn’t dive as deep as I sense it could.

Instead, it feels like we’re hearing one pro do his best to let another pro shine; that “shine” isn’t indulgence, but it does take space to grow. The restrained pro in this equation is Previte, whose controlled additions here are truly the signs of a master, coming out incredibly strong at points to punch up a number, but otherwise hanging back and somewhat following Chandler, in minimalist, quiet, tsch-tsch patter fashion. Chandler’s method of turning electronic guitar into synth-like sounds is pretty stunning – imagine a bright light of notes, skittering across a night sky – and its somewhat piercing nature, though buffered by the same approach making for atmospheric moments of calm, means that it necessarily dominates the conversation, hence Previte’s careful balance. But I’m not sure this approach really builds to anything. I don’t know that Previte “pushing back” would’ve helped that; rather, there was kind of a slavish dedication to the sound ribbons that mostly guarantees tracks – or even the overall album – has trouble evolving. We’re set in a kind of slow, mysterious shuffle that vibes with nighttime / spiritual imagery song titles like “Hallow” and “Lost Moon,” and that’s mostly the extent of it. It’s intriguing, but listening more doesn’t deepen the experience.

However, the squiggly nature of the sound, and the way the duo to maintain their dance together, also means the listen doesn’t get boring, either.

A showcase for Chandler. As a Previte fan, I’d admire, as always, his flexibility, but I think the overall concept of this one ultimately limits its effectiveness.