There are few sounds more delightful than the sound of a piano. Whether it’s being used in cool jazz, traditional gospel or even new fangled rock and roll, the piano is a terrifically flexible and stunningly beautiful instrument. Pianist Faith Coloccia, (playing under the moniker Mamiffer) uses the foreboding sounds of the organ and the vibrant keys of the piano to compliment an ethereal collage of dissonant and experimental noises. It may sound like an intimidating listen; but believe me, if you can relate to the sound of a piano, Mamiffer’s Hirror Ennifer is worth your time.
The sounds that are explored on Hirror Ennifer aren’t complicated, but the collection of varied instruments and unrecognizable noises that are used here create an edge to the already deep and lush piano lines that Coloccia divulges in. Enlisting the help of members of both These Arms are Snakes and ISIS, the album is undoubtedly heavy on static filled distortion and other forms of harsh feedback.
After the album’s opening track, “This Land,” showcases Coloccia’s beautiful piano work against a marching drum beat and a snarling electric guitar; the next song “Death Shawl” counters that by offering up a guitar and organ melody dripping with palpable distortion. Mamiffer in turn sounds much better when Coloccia’s beautiful piano playing takes the forefront, and the band becomes far less accessible when the distortion and static lead the artist into a pointless foray of noise.
The third of six tracks off of Hirror Ennifer is a classical-styled build up of a song titled “Annwn.” It’s the best stage that Faith sets up to show off her exquisite piano skills and, aided by a steady drum beat, she permeates almost every ounce of the song. The album moves on in this direction by featuring two more terrific piano driven tunes back to back that, along with “Annwn,” make up the best part of the disc.
Mamiffer gives us a left turn on the last track of the album, moving away from keyed instruments to focus more on strings, with a guitar driven closer. “Chyraeth” starts off with a soft strumming acoustic guitar before plugging up and laying on another round of atmospheric distortion. It’s an attempt for Coloccia to show off her multi-instrumental prowess, and for the most part it works.
For a vocal free, hard-biting, dissonant piano album, Hirror Ennifer is surprisingly accessible. It’s not going to feature any top 40 radio hits, but it certainly shouldn’t run anybody away. When it comes right down to it, the piano playing is what carries the album, but the other assorted sounds and instruments that shine dimly in the background is what gives Hirror Ennifer its dark edge and its gratifying touch of substance. The album bogs down when the atmospherics try to take center stage, but luckily for us that’s a rare occurrence.
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