Alabaster DePlume
A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole
Release Date: Mar 7, 2025
Genre(s): Jazz
Record label: International Anthem
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Album Review: A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole by Alabaster DePlume
Absolutly essential, Based on 2 Critics
Based on rating 5/5
Alabaster DePlume's splayed fingers touch in lively sculpture on the cover of A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole, conjuring pure, simple healing without frills. There's no question DePlume is a remarkable saxophonist, his orchestral arrangements with International Anthem labelmate Macie Stewart are stunning, yet the appeal is a tenderness for the listener. The bright, wintery saxophone of Oh My Actual Days heralds a folkier first act, though not without the odd dubby, psych-y moment, recalling Total Refreshment Centre pals Soccer96 on A Paper Man and Form a V.
Opinion: Excellent
In a grizzled expression of gratitude, the first words Alabaster DePlume sings on A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole are "Thank you, my pain". The utterance slithers from his lips to pin down the slow, skittish drum beat and muffled breaths of saxophone it accompanies. His voice is so withered that, in the first half of the song, you might think that DePlume's thanks are disingenuous.
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