Phenomenal World is a new Viennese trio featuring three experienced and unorthodox improvisers – Michael Fischer (of the duo BAGG*FISH and the leader of the Vienna Improvisers Orchestra) on feedback saxophone, and gibberish vocals, Philipp Quehenberger on synthesizer, and his partner-in-crime for the last twenty years, drummer Didi Kern (known for his work with Mats Gustafsson and Ken Vandermark, and his alternative bands BulBul and Fuckhead). Same is the debut album of the trio, and it was recorded at Primitive Studios in Vienna in September 2023.

Phenomenal World focuses on blending ecstatic rhythmic patterns with unpredictable sounds and has a punkish approach that injects raw, unpredictable bursts of energy into its, spontaneous free improvised textures. Foster feedback sax suggests mysterious, drone-like sounds, intensified by his distant gibberish; Quehenberger is responsible for the trio’s harmonic and deep bass foundations; and Kern, with his dynamic, hypnotic drumming, cements Phenomenal World’s driving pulsation.

Same offers six infectious pieces that swing between brief melodic ideas and intense pulse, and are characterized by distinct, vibrant variety and intensity. These atmospheric, dance-like pieces have nuanced, shifting notions of time and space and melodies, drift between tenderness and defiance, and blur the distinction between chaos and coherence. All pieces call for their listeners to rise up, move, and flex their muscles, so it would be interesting to see these fine gentlemen taking the Phenomenal World experience to live performances in some dark clubs.

Eyal Hareuveni

Michael Fischer (feedback-saxophone, vocals), Philipp Quehenberger (synthesizer), Didi Kern (drums)