Mick Turner: Tren Phantasma

The amazing Australian instrumental trio Dirty Three isn't immediately known for its guitar work; after all, the primary instrumental voice generally belongs to Warren Ellis and his searing, beautiful violin leads. But the band's albums wouldn't have the depth they do without Mick Turner's clear, haunting guitar lines, and to prove it, here's Tren Phantasma, his lovely solo debut. Aside from a few rumbling, subtly menacing tracks like "Mel To Adders" and "In The Morning You Can Hear The Birds Singing," these are mostly quiet, haunted, barren songs. Turner's rare gift is his ability to write minimalistic music that has you humming melodies that aren't there; you can practically fill in Ellis' violin parts on many of these songs. Tren Phantasma doesn't deliver a big emotional payoff like you'd get on a Dirty Three record; except for the occasional harmonica or dash of percussion, there's precious little instrumental interplay or emotional juxtaposition. It's kind of a for-fans-only sort of record, and if you're not a Dirty Three fan, buy last year's Horse Stories. At that point, you'll be a fan: Then buy the group's first two records, and look into this impressive, strangely soothing side project.