With minimalist motifs

It all began with an ending: after eight years, the Geneva quartet Orioxy, whose jazz-based sound was able to combine even the most tender moments with wild energy, disbanded unexpectedly in 2016. "When everything fell apart, I got the blow of my life," recalls harpist Julie Campiche. Nevertheless, or perhaps precisely because of this, she started her new project just two weeks later. It actually happened too quickly for her, she admits, but: "You have to take advantage of the surprises that life has in store."

Three years have now passed and the Julie Campiche Quartet, which includes saxophonist Leo Fumagalli, double bassist Manu Hagmann and drummer Clemens Kuratle in addition to the band's leader, has released a new album at the end of January. Onkalo has released his debut album. The work comprises six songs and is curious and experimental: the first track, Flash Infobegins with an introspective harp melody, which is interrupted after a minute by sudden jazz sequences - at least temporarily.

What is on offer is surprisingly energetic and presents a flair for improvisation and minimalist motifs. Progressive jazz unfolds on the album, which is primarily interested in soundscapes that change constantly and surprisingly. The effect is meditative, but sometimes also fidgety and occasionally even stirring. Perhaps because you can sense that there are always stories behind the compositions. Onkalo - Finnish for cavity - is intended to tell of buried radioactive waste, for example. On the CD, Julie Campiche and her companions succeed not only in developing a maelstrom, but also music that takes you on a fascinating and courageous sound journey.