Album Review: Alf Jetzer – Unfolding

Based in Switzerland, Alf Jetzer makes atmospheric music with elements of worldbeat, ambient and trance, all informed by classical and pop textures. His sound paintings are more impressionistic than melodic, with each creating a sonic vibe and then expanding upon it. On some tracks, undercurrents of Indian music – in the form of hypnotic and subtle percussion – are joined by ethereal textures that suggest the windswept deserts of North Africa. In other places, a more electronic character forms the foundation of the music, with understated electronic beats (or percussive sequences) joined by glistening guitar figures.

The songs seem not to be intended as vehicles for specific melodic content, but rather as a means to creative an emotional character and then allow the listener to luxuriate in it. In fact, Unfolding seems designed more as a work to be experienced rather than listened to. It could serve effectively as a soundtrack for meditation or any number of contemplative endeavors. Jetzer clearly has an impressive array of musical tools at his disposal – some real and organic, others computer- synth and/or sampler-based – but in each and every case he selects just the right tool for each endeavor. And on each of Unfolding’s eight instrumental tracks, he succeeds at creating a musical world that’s lush and inviting without being the least bit intrusive.