This album was born out of the daily sessions between Copenhagen-based multi-instrumentalist Jason Dungan aka Blue Lake and Johan Carøe. The title "Routine" refers to exactly that — the daily routine of layering sound — encompassing relaxation and tension, shifts in condition, the weather, and flashes of inspiration.
This time around he plays a self-built 36-string zither (different from the 48-string used on "Sun Arcs"), 6- and 12-string guitars, pump organ, clarinet, sax, cello, flute and more. Johan handles cello, violin, guitar, synth, piano and electronic processing.
The playing is assured enough to make it easy to see why Pitchfork picked him for their Best Jazz & Experimental of 2023, and with influences drawn from Arthur Russell and Disques du Crépuscule — the '80s crossroads of chamber music, minimalism and art pop — the balance between simple sonic pleasure and an unforced layer of intelligence leaves a strong impression. You could also hear it as experimental yet earnest pop music. There's a whiff of American folk too, with moments that feel like John Fahey plus ambient.
Released on Tonal Union, a label with an interesting curatorial streak, having enlisted the likes of the master Laraaji and up-and-comers Dylan Henner and Jeremiah Chiu for remixes. (Original Japanese text by Shhhhh)