Northe.Rec. The Whys and hows of Herman Düne and Cerberus Shoal (F/US,2000)****
'Herman Düne' and 'Cerberus Shoal' met a few times before this release, in Geneva in 2000, in Texas in 2001. So this release was meant to be a document that would last a long time. The French band 'Herman Düne' are in fact three persons, the American 'Cerberus Shoal' are six.
This is the first in a series of semi-conceptual cooperation between like-minded artists, and musicians from anywhere in the world.
I thought at first the cooperation was complete, but it is in fact a half and half CD.
The singing of 'Herman Düne' in the first tracks often sound somewhat American in mood, but all with a 'C.O.B.' flare. It has been accompanied in a tempered but inventive way with acoustic sound awareness arrangements. These kind of arrangements are one of the like-minded elements with Cerberus Shoal. I am also reminded, by the many inventive elements, of the Joshua release reviewed on the Acid Folk review page.
It's hardly noticeable when the tracks by Cerberus Shoal start. More harmony singing. But I notice a highly respectful interchange in mood. The last track "Bouzouki" is with an accelerating sweeping up tempo, and has a perfect experimental acoustic outro.
The listening pleasure is so complete I can hardly choose any highlight for radio use. Another possible future classic ?
