Mario Batkovic Goes «Introspectio»
3 December 2021 saw the release of “Introspecio”, the second album by accordionist extraordinaire, Mario Batkovic, for the Bristol-based Invada Records.
In the hands of Batkovic, the accordion rises far beyond the jollity we recognise from various forms of folk music or even the dramatic melancholy of a bandoneon-driven tango. Using an innovative five-finger technique, the sounds he teases from his instrument often come close to the pathos of a church organ, or to the minimalist piano figures of Philip Glass. For “Introspectio” – recorded partly before, partly during lockdown -, Batkovic has teamed up with singers and musicians including electronic producer James Holden, ex-BEAK> member Matthew Williams aka MXLX, the Cantus Domus choir, and Radiohead/Reprazent drummer Clive Deamer. The spectacular results are utterly original and defy any attempt at a stylistic definition.
Here’s what it says on Batkovic’s homepage: “Mixing classical and contemporary sound, Mario Batkovic seeks to explore the sonic possibilities of the accordion, without effects or loops, rather through a mutualist symbiotic relationship between man and instrument… ‘INTROSPECTIO’ is a self-questioning, self-examination of society and the meaning of sound. Featuring collaborations with electronic sorcerer James Holden and former in addition to drummer Clive Deamer (Radiohead/Portishead/Robert Plant/Roni Size), saxophonist Colin Stetson and concert choir Cantus Domus, Batkovic questions the place of sound, clichés and prejudices, taking the listener on a journey through infinite universes of sound.”
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