The Celtic tunes of “Great Round Burn” open Glow with a slow build of guitar layered with a frantic pace of strings (played by string quartet, Ethel.
This melody floats above King’s guitar, which grounds the piece as it propels along in the playful and energetic style the guitarist’s live performances have been hailed for. At times it drops in volume and tempo before rising again, but never losing the execution of her flawless guitar work.
Each track on Glow offers a different dimension of King’s music with “Streetlight In The Egg” and “Bowen Island” offering slower and more melancholy tunes.
While some instrumental albums can blur from track to track for listeners used to vocals, King’s tracks are distinct, each offering a point of difference. King’s immaculate guitar work becomes the main melody.
The album blends different sound effects that add texture to the simple composition. “Cargo Cult” features the un-edited sound of rain, adding an element of authenticity. While, the song’s use of percussion, the pacing drum beat quickens the tempo.
However, the highlight is “Skimming the Fractured Surface To A Place of Endless Light” at the end of the album. It’s a slow paced and bare, sparse in texture but it shines with the gentle acoustic guitar providing a beautiful and almost hypnotic melody.
Glow is a whimsical and dreamy work that with its contrasting tracks shows yet another side of Kaki King’s instrumental talent.
