Album Review: Topology - Ten Hands

Ten Hands finds Topology moving in a different direction. The album is billed as a hulking, solitary piece of music – composed collectively by all five members of the Brisbane chamber ensemble. It's previously debuted as a relatively successful hybrid theatre performance directed by Annie Lee of the Kranksy Sisters. While not as bracing on record as it is live, it still feels like a bold and appropriate new direction for the group.

Topology have always struggled with balancing their experimental tendencies with their jazz and classical influences, but Ten Hands stands as a record that could be enjoyed by audiences well outside of the jazz and classical realms. It's got an ambition and an edge to it that gives it a far-reaching, adventurous appeal. This is accomplished in part by the stylistic experimentation on display throughout. Reunion rides a spiraling synth squiggle. When You Found Out sees upright bassist Robert Davidson drop some Paul Weller-style vocals into the fray. There are lots of little subtle experiments littered across the album.

Beyond that, it's simply an immediately appealing work. Sprawling and romantic, it's a beautiful listen. Melodies practically cascade from the instrumentation. The overall structure of the work is knotty and, upon initial listens, overly complex – but repeated investigations find the group's music truly blossoming. It grows into an incredibly emotional experience. The experimental outlook ultimately only serves heighten the group's dramatic flair for romance.

There is a sense that Topology can go further still – but, for now, Ten Hands does a wonderful job of bringing their oft-obscured sense of adventure a lot closer to the surface. An awesome album.