Gusstaff is a small independent label based in Poland, which has already released two previous albums by Michal Jacaszek. Jacaszek's third full length album, Treny, is also picked up by Erik Skodvin's Miasmah. The latter mentioned label is quickly gaining recognition among the ambient and modern classical connoisseurs with CD releases (Miasmah started out as a net label) from great artists like Encre, Rafael Anton Irisarri, Elegi and now Jacaszek. Looks like Miasmah has also picked up Jasper TX for his upcoming July release, Black Sleep, but more on that later... Treny is a modern classical marvel that immediately jumps to the top of my favorites for this year. And big thanks to all my readers who recommended it as Best of 2008 So Far in their submitted lists. Patiently paced melodies evolve in the hands of skillful violinist Stefan Wesolowski and cellist Ania Smiszek-Wesolowska [sounds like the two are a couple ;) ]. The reverb treated organic acoustics are complimented with piano phrases and atmospheric electronic treatments by Jacaszek. Through out the tracks, Maja Sieminska's voice glides within the hazy soundscapes like an echo of awakened ghost. My good friend Paul observes, "I listen and feel I have lost everything..." My immediate impression brings back that majestic moment of discovering an album that will stay with you through sweet and dark moments alike. Based out of Gdansk, Poland, Jacaszek is a profound manipulator of electro-acoustic sounds and fits right along my favorites like Dictaphone, Porn Sword Tobacco, Marsen Jules, Zbigniew Preisner and of course Deaf Center. Highly recommended.

I have a tendency to listen to a lot of music that I describe as "haunting" and "beautiful". So, when I state that "Treny" by Jacaszek could likely end up being my favorite album of the year, it should come as no surprise that it is both very haunting, and utterly beautiful. It is filled with complex, yet slowly evolving, orchestrations composed of various stringed instruments, and the occasional appearance of some lush female vocals. At various times, it reminds me of some of the best material from Coil's later works, but at other moments, it shoots way beyond even that. This is a comparison I do not make lightly. The album is dynamic, appropriately shifting gears between tracks, but maintaining a solid cohesiveness throughout. This is material that was very intelligently put together and with great care.