7/10

Some records announce themselves with noise. But 'Rarefaction' pulls you into its orbit and refuses to let go. This debut from Crabs & Feathers is bold, curious, and gloriously unafraid of subtlety, delivering a record that trusts its instincts and rewards anyone willing to lean in.

From the first moments, it’s clear this duo are operating on a different wavelength. Claudio Niniano’s guitar speaks as it plays, sketching melodic shapes that feel intimate and intentional, while Jonathan Norani’s saxophone weaves around it with a restless, expressive elegance. Their interplay is electric. You can hear them thinking in real time, responding, challenging, and opening doors for one another with every phrase.

The album thrives on movement and contrast. One moment, the music feels suspended mid-air; the next, it’s gliding forward with quiet confidence. 'Old Bag' sets the tone beautifully, offering a piece that feels both tactile and dreamlike, where acoustic warmth rubs against subtle electronic shadows. It’s the sound of curiosity in motion, constantly shifting but never losing its centre.

What makes 'Rarefaction' so exciting is how fearless it is. This is a living, breathing conversation between two musicians who trust each other completely. Improvisation and structure blur into one another, creating a sense that anything could happen at any moment, and often does.

The production enhances that sense of immediacy, capturing the textures, air, and physicality of the performances without smoothing away their edges. You hear the room. You feel the closeness. It’s immersive in the best way, drawing you deeper with every listen.

By the time the final track fades, 'Rarefaction' feels more like a place you’ve visited. Crabs & Feathers have delivered a debut that’s confident, adventurous, and genuinely exhilarating; a statement of intent from a duo clearly ready to push far beyond expectations. This is the sound of artists stepping fully into their own space, and it’s impossible not to be swept along.