The Bells

This is the second full-length release by Berlin-based pianist Nils Frahm for Erased Tapes. As the curator of the Swedish boutique label Kning Disk's Piano Series, Peter Broderick invited Nils to record a new album of piano improvisations - the result is The Bells, which is now released on Erased Tapes in the UK, Ireland and North America. Perhaps the most stunning aspect of what on the surface appears to be an entirely pre-planned and composed body of work comes with the discovery that these pieces were in fact improvised. These two friends share a common affinity in that they both possess an absolute mastery of melody, composition and performance - able to deliver with devastating effect. The album was recorded in a rented, beautiful old church in the heart of Berlin over two nights. Nils "just played," with the occasional instruction from Peter. The resultant work The Bells shares the same excitement and air of playfulness. For a musician this early in his career, Frahm displays an incredibly developed sense of control and restraint in his work.