With emotional wails and melodious, nasally grunts, Pabarciuté displays a broad vocal range, at times matching the bowed upper-register riffs of Tokar's bass with horn-like acumen. On the opening "Symphonic Fields," for example, the vocalist finds space for soothing tranquility, only to be disrupted with forceful aggression, matching the mood of her cohorts.
Tokar's larger-than-life tone and impeccable intonation is front-and-center with pizzicato runs on "Play or What?" and arco drones on "Sacred Forest Trio." The latter features telepathic-like communication between bass and voice.
Kugel, a veteran of the renowned Ganelin Trio, acts as a skilful colorist, utilizing a variety of percussion to create varied and rich shadings. At times bombastic, at times sparse, Kugel chooses his sounds wisely, either reacting to what he hears or initiating a change in direction.
Varpai is a fresh, spontaneous sonic delight. An enjoyable listening experience.
