Secret Eye 
The One Ensemble : Wayward the Fourth (UK,rec.2005-2006)****/***°
This One Ensemble release hangs well together as if it is a live concert.
In our modern times with slight decay, groups like The One Ensemble are like the chamber orchestra related cream of expressions of this time : with waltzes to amuse themselves, and, while classical in nature, it still falls section-wise apart with atonal pleasures, thus expressing these times recognisably well, surreal as this reality is, in the total freedom of our being now. Some of these waltzes are arranged almost like medieval dances (“Smok”). But the band is also a song-related “rock” expressive band, as one of these more chamber music flavoured groups.
The amusement they experience is very entertaining, like on the second track, where they invited a pseudo-Chinese, who sings something that sounds like Chinese but still is English (just try yourself the repetition of “neither one thing (x4)”). Another track like “Resonant Kings”, with additional acoustic guitars, is more court-like in its chamber arrangements, with an emotional strength, while “Horsehead Waltz” is more like a circus theatre, a piece originally written for Faulty Optic's production 'Horsehead'.
A very enjoyable release that is a great presentation for the band.
The One Ensemble is Chris Hladowski, bouzouki, bow and clarinet ; Peter Nicolson, cello ; Daniel Padden : guitar, piano, clarinet, voice, glass, kazoo,.. ; Aby Vulliamy : viola with guests Fergus Hetherington on violin on on track 1, and Hanna Tuulikki on vocals, track 2.
