Risil

Murmuring, liquid burbles, melodic intonations over tasteful flute, glitchy electronics — despite a collaborative line-up that features heavyweight players like Zach Hill (Hella) and Tyondai Braxton (Battles), Risil introduce themselves gently and in whispers. John McEntire's digital razor blade is apparent in the sections of non-meters that recall "Djed," the epic A-side track from Tortoise's 1996 album, Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Alongside McEntire is de facto ringleader Guillermo Herren (Prefuse 73), whose goal appears to be building a sublime breakwater to harness the dynamics of the revolving door improvisers. Vocals by Alejandra De Heza and Eva Puyelo Muns on early tracks like "There Has to Be" imbue a feeling of ceremony and grace. On the tracks that liven up the proceedings, like the crystalline and multi-faceted "Oxygen Path," the churn of drums and guitar is just barely contained. The album's restraint will likely disappoint fans of the individual members' projects but those who can put aside drum summit dreams will find much to occupy them.