Polish underground stalwarts Anna Nacher and Marek Styczyński return with their first release for the Reverb Worship label in a limited edition of 50 copies. Both artists play a large number of instruments, but perhaps the most interesting is Styczynski's use of "Carpathian and Balkan" woodwinds," consisting largely of traditional flutes. In truth, those sounds give a unique edge to the Magic Carpathians drone and improv experiments. "Sambucus & Ginko" contains a series of six improvisations, three of which are joined by Czech musician Vlastislav Matousek on the shakuhachi (a traditional Japanese bamboo flute). This guest spot makes sense, given that the performance took place in 2007 at the "Manggha" Center for Japanese Culture and Technology in Kraków. Regardless of the space in which it was created, the Magic Carpathians and their guest musician offer a unique take on experimental music.

"Sambucus & Ginko" opens with "Cybertotem drone No 2," which is the first of the three tracks with Matousek. It lives up to its title with its deep, steady background hum. Woodwinds and electric guitar riff and echo in the forefront to create an intricate and ominous sound. That track is followed by "Cybertotem drone No 1," (another Matousek guest spot) which features a pulsing electronic background and embellishments alongside almost birdlike vocal trills, wails, and sung/spoken lines from Nacher. Her voice trades off with and compliments sporadic flute lines that burst into the mix. Next is "Sonic Suicide: Improvisation." A steady, one note guitar line drones in the backdrop for the most flute-oriented track thusfar. Scattered guitar and electronic noise adds another interesting element to the piece, as well. The far more subdued "Nytuan" follows. It features light rattles and scrapes over which Nacher whispers, speaks, wails, and sings her vocals. Flutes return in fuzzed-out fashion, accompanied by mini harmonium drones and vocals, for the next track, "Sambucus." The album closes with Matousek's final gues appearance on "Fat Moon," which combines light guitar, percussion, flute, and mini clarinet. Bordering on free jazz, the clarinet careens over the pulsing beat set by the other instruments.

After listening to this album, I can't help but be impressed by the Magic Carpathians' take on experimental music. They manage to explore a variety of sounds and moods in some unconventional and interesting ways. Still, the most exciting aspect of "Sambucus & Ginko" is the level of intricacy that the Magic Carpathians bring to their improvised live performance. Every element seems very well placed and every track enhances the overall experience and atmosphere. Really, any live performance that sounds like it could have come from months of work in a studio (as this does) is a winner in my book. I certainly recommend tracking this one down.         8/10 -- Matt Blackall (17 December, 2008)