MOTH029
Digital

American Quartet, Yonatan Gat’s third solo record, is a reimagining of Antonín Dvořák’s famed American Quartet (also known as his String Quartet no. 12), one of the most popular string quartets in the classical repertoire, written while Dvořák was – like Gat – an immigrant living in New York City.

But, as one might expect from the fiery Monotonix guitarist, Gat’s reimagination offers a completely sui generis interpretation of the music, imbued with the slash-and-burn energy of punk rock, combined with the unrestricted creative spirit of experimental musicians like Alice Coltrane, who also interpreted Dvořák’s music.

Unlike Dvořák’s string quartet (written for two violins, viola, and cello), the musicians featured include Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier on drums, composer Curt Sydnor on organ, Mikey Coltun from Mdou Moctar’s band on bass, and Gat on electric guitar.