Martina Berther, a distinguished bass guitarist and composer from Zurich, captivates listeners with her latest track, “Obertone,” from her solo debut album “Bass Works.” This track pulses rhythmically forward, driven by an almost clockwork momentum that pairs beautifully with ethereal organ tones. The minimalist aesthetic of the piece is both engaging and slightly mysterious, with harmonic shifts moving through a sequence of chords that intrigue and captivate. Berther’s use of her bass, combined with the atmospheric organ, creates a soundscape that feels expansive yet intimate, reflecting her unique ability to harness the expressive power of her instrument.
“Obertone” is a testament to Berther’s innovative approach to music, characterized by its foundation in improvisation. The track is part of “Bass Works,” a collection that showcases twelve one-take compositions, each demonstrating a variety of strange and beautiful techniques. Berther’s bass acts as a Geiger counter, mapping out the contours of sonic landscapes that feel both abandoned and richly populated by ghostly echoes. The album unfolds like a playbook, with each track offering new textures and tonal experiments that challenge traditional bass play and composition.
