Jozef Van Wissem & Jim Jarmusch :: Concerning The Entrance Into Eternity

It’s hard not to distance yourself from Jim Jarmusch’s other work when taking in Concerning The Entrance Into Eternity. It’s not that he dominates or overshadows lutenist Van Wissem (this is very much a collaboration), it’s the urge to call it a ‘soundtrack,’ or say it carries that aura. It does, but much further out making that comparison tenuous, thin and baggage. Cinematic is more appropriate. Though it’s just the two, they exist here in a widescreen and wide open vista. Though it’s an instrumental platter save for a brief recitation at the end of He Is Hanging By His Shiny Arms, His Heart An Open Wound With Love, each song has an emotional resonance that you can identify with, and personalize. Put that in with the stripped down music that occupies this big space, and some sort of nebulous narrative begins make a presence. Not necessarily linear, and having a conclusion over an ending, it’s at least something alive. And going through something. As opener Apokatastasis (Restoration) eases in, it lets us know we’re going to be active participants if we’re going to get the most out of it. The title cuts adds some melancholy upbeat sparkle that changes the mood gently, before the inevitable and  necessary flip-side of the coin Continuation Of The Last Judgement opens up with its own emotional and heavy resonance. The Sun of the Natural World is Pure Fire lives up to its name with a teetering burnt guitar scorch that is both mournful and bellowing. Where the first few reserved cuts are more introspective, this one here is the externalized heat of keeping it in. In contrast is Van Wissem adding an understanding and certain wisdom to the outbursts that make it seem both like an enraged infant and someone who’s been around long enough to have been put through the ringer a few times. That more contemplative, wiser touch turns into a full vibe with the appropriately titled He Is Hanging By His Shiny Arms, His Heart An Open Wound With Love.

Concerning The Entrance Into Eternity comes out as both an engaging, compelling listen and as an artifact of the understanding these two have of each other, and their spaces. That’s not as cold as it sounds, with the music being so human. For as austere as it is, it remains full of a deep emotional heft born out of experience and collaboration. The ‘bonus track’ is that you’ll feel, and empathize with, something completely different without compromising Van Wissem and Jarmusch’s own intent one bit.

Concerning The Entrance Into Eternity :: Jozef Van Wissem & Jim Jarmusch :: Concerning The Entrance Into Eternity (2012, Important Records; Release date 2/28)