Enneads – S/T – New LP

Based in New York, the Enneads are a trio consisting of Phyllis Chen on piano, Hamir Atwal on drums, Zach Layton on a rare instrument, the 17 string electric bass.

Taking their name from the Neo-Platonist philosopher Plotinus, the Enneads approach to improvisation is rooted in an exploration of the naturally occurring harmonic overtones described by Pythagoras as number made audible. Chen and Layton both explore the resonant nodal points on their strings, with Layton exploring a wide range of tunings on his 17 string bass (which in this context functions similarly to an ancient Greek harp or Lyre), and Chen finding rich complexes of overtone structures inside the lid of the piano. Through electronic amplification and the use of effects pedals, these overtones are further enhanced and modulated producing a dense and layered sonic texture. Hypnotic rhythmic patterns produced by the imaginative drumming of Hamir Awtal again make multiple numerical ratios audible through cycles of organic pulsation, articulating in time.