A Sonic Odyssey: Mark Steiner & His Problems
Amidst the summer vibes of 2021, the highly anticipated album “Black Hole” emerges as the latest opus from the musical maestro Mark Steiner & His Problems. This release signifies Steiner’s inaugural full-length venture since his earlier LP, “Saudade,” which made its debut back in the early months of 2015.
Setting the stage for this musical odyssey is the inaugural single, “Hang On! (Twin Flames),” out now. To complement this sonic delight, acclaimed filmmaker Jean De Oliveira steps in to craft a visually enthralling music video.
Diving deep into the essence of “Black Hole,” there’s an intriguing shift in Steiner’s sonic landscape. It exudes a raw, swampy quality, a departure from his previous works since the days of Piker Ryan’s Folly, the NYC band he was associated with before his post-9/11 journey. The album proudly showcases a fresh lineup of ex-pats now based in Oslo, featuring the formidable American drummer Ted Parsons, renowned for his impactful rhythms with acts like Prong, Swans, Godflesh, and Killing Joke.
The British-Italian maestro Leon Muraglia is adding to this ensemble, known for his bass finesse with bands like Radio 9, Salvatore, and OMD. London-based guitarist Romek Paluch-Edwards enriches the compositions with definitive counterpoint, skillfully complementing Steiner’s Fender baritone.
What further elevates this musical saga are the ghostly appearances of special guests Line Saus and Ingunn Holmen, each lending their haunting vocals from their Norwegian abodes. Czech virtuoso Pavel Cingl adds another layer of depth with his violin arrangements, contributing from the captivating streets of Prague, his decadent stomping grounds.
“Black Hole” stands as a testament to Steiner’s evolution, an exploration of a musical realm where past influences meet the vibrant energy of the present. It’s a fusion of talents, experiences, and stories, beautifully woven together to create a captivating auditory journey.
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