Rachel's 'Those Pearls...' (Touch & Go, 1996) (mp3)

A complex piece by the much-missed Rachel's, at times sun-dappled and beatific, at others overcast and moody.

Rachel's were a band from Louisville, Kentucky who established the intersesction between post-rock and modern classical. This track was from the 'Lounge Ax: Defence and Relocation' fundraiser to support the aforementioned Chicago venue.

'Those Pearls...' opens with an almost breezily positive piano section before strings and clarinet are added, creating moments of unease and building tension. Touches of percussion are added as the piece ascends to a plateau of calm, dissipating into brushed cymbals and then silence.

Gorgeous.

Download Rachel's 'Those Pearls...' (mp3) (Mediafire)