“Animus Anima” is what happens when an experiment brings together 4 musicians from different backgrounds: sax player and composer Nicolas Ankoudinoff comes straight from jazz,...

“Animus Anima” is what happens when an experiment brings together 4 musicians from different backgrounds: sax player and composer Nicolas Ankoudinoff comes straight from jazz, Pascal Rousseau on tuba is known in contemporary circles. On guitar, the improviser and feedback freak Benoist Eil faces drummer Etienne Plumer, who is very much into the M-base Afro-American tradition. This release is a work presented in seven scenes and two interludes that draw from the emotional states that nature can inspire. Seven evocative tracks are presented with original orchestration and surprising sound textures. “Animus Anima” explores sound, teasing it playfully to draw out music that is incandescent, visionary, at the limit of being troubling and dissonant but nonetheless accessible. The program is like a ride through varied feelings that combine sharp focus and lyricism. Some would say that Animus Anima’s music is the missing link between Pink Floyd and Archie Shepp.