Bonecrusher creates an immersive sonic landscape that captivates listeners, drawing them into a world where chords crackle, howl, and vibrate eerily. Founded in 2020 by trombonist and composer Matthias Muche in Cologne, the ensemble showcases its latest work through four innovative compositions. Each musician explores the trombone’s capabilities with meticulous detail, crafting evolving sonic states that morph fluidly, resembling a tightly woven net.

The ensemble faces a unique challenge; those not in the foreground must resist the urge to overpower the sound, resulting in a transparency that allows intricate textures to shimmer through, despite the title's reference to crushed bones. A significant influence is the unreleased ‘Brass / Breath / Brisk’ by trombonist Johannes Bauer, who passed away in 2016. Bonecrusher has a deep connection to Bauer's work, having transcribed his 1998 multi-track improvisations recorded in Berlin. This spirit of exploration manifests throughout the album, particularly in Matthias Müller’s ‘Up & Down,’ which delves into microtonal possibilities with transforming glissandos.

Muche’s original pieces ‘Quater’ and ‘Butter’ stem from extensive experimentation, where motifs emerge through solo sessions. ‘Quater’ begins with jolting sounds, fanning out into rich textures, while removing tuning slides creates a distinct voice. In ‘Butter’, inspired by Danish cookie tins, musicians create a metallic clang over trombone bells, producing muffled sounds. Each performer plays the same part at their own tempo, leading to subtle shifts. Etienne Nillesen on snare acts as an extension of the trombones, amplifying nuances and creating treble layers. 

Bonecrusher meticulously examines sound at a microcosmic level, producing sharp edges and abrupt breaks. The music oscillates between improvisation and composition, creating a dense sound world that invites listeners to experience a radical freedom, allowing the bones to ring out fearlessly.