Download Portland Bike Ensemble - Untitled album

Review by Mantas Rutkauskas

The Portland Bike Ensemble's album Untitled is a stunning example of avant-garde music that pushes the boundaries of traditional instrumental composition. The group's unique approach to music-making, which involves using bicycles as sound generators, adds an extra layer of creativity and experimentation to the album.

From the opening track, "Spokes," the listener is immediately transported to a world of sound that is both familiar and otherworldly. The use of bicycle spokes as percussion instruments creates a rhythmic backdrop that is both hypnotic and haunting. As the album progresses, the group continues to explore the sonic possibilities of their bicycles, using them to create a wide range of sounds and textures.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Chain Reaction," which features a series of interlocking rhythms that build and layer on top of each other to create a complex and mesmerizing tapestry of sound. The group's use of unconventional instrumentation, such as bicycle bells and horns, adds a playful and whimsical element to the music that is both charming and unexpected.

Summary by Mantas Rutkauskas

Untitled is a bold and innovative album that showcases the Portland Bike Ensemble's unique musical vision. The group's willingness to experiment with unconventional instruments and sounds is a testament to their creativity and originality, and makes for an exciting listening experience.