Gratuitous Abuse by Barrel (Alison Blunt – violin, Ivor Kallin – violin & viola, Hannah Marshall – cello) is an 80-minute journey into fearless improvisation, humour, and sonic invention. Recorded in London between 2009–2010 and released on Emanem Records, the album captures four expansive pieces (Rigwiddie Snauchle Strikes Again in Style, Soft Porn & Hard Cheese, Sklatch, and Moths & Feathers), each brimming with wit, intensity, and finely tuned interplay. Emerging from the fertile ground of the London Improvisers Orchestra, Barrel reshape the possibilities of the string trio—far removed from classical traditions, yet deeply rooted in instrumental mastery. Their music embraces scraping, plucking, bowing, and even vocal interjections, moving from playful chaos to startling beauty. Critics have hailed the trio’s audacity, humour, and originality, comparing their approach to Dadaist surrealism and avant-garde chamber music. With sharp detail, raw energy, and a mischievous spirit, Gratuitous Abuse stands as a bold statement in contemporary improvisation and a gem in the Emanem catalogue.
 
Artists: 
ALISON BLUNT violin
IVOR KALLIN violin & viola
HANNAH MARSHALL cello
 
Tracks:
1 - RIGWIDDIE SNAUCHLE STRIKES AGAIN IN STYLE - 22:21
2 - SOFT PORN & HARD CHEESE - 1:49
3 - SKLATCH: unseemly semi-liquid mess - 22:29
4 - MOTHS & FEATHERS - 32:17
 
All recordings made in London
1 at 176 Gallery by Ivor Kallin - 2009 April 25
2 & 3 in private by Ivor Kallin - 2009 July 29
4 at Luna Fringe by Alison Blunt - 2010 January 28
Total time 79:08
 
FAQs
1. Who are the musicians on this album?
The trio Barrel features Alison Blunt (violin), Ivor Kallin (violin & viola), and Hannah Marshall (cello)—all leading figures from the London improvisation scene and members of the London Improvisers Orchestra.
2. What kind of music can I expect?
This is free improvisation for strings: playful, daring, humorous, and intense. Expect a mix of scrapes, plucks, drones, and bursts of lyrical beauty, creating music that is both experimental and deeply expressive.
3. When and where was it recorded?
The album was recorded live in London: at 176 Gallery (2009), in private sessions (2009), and at Luna Fringe (2010).
4. How long is the album?
The CD runs for 79 minutes, with four extended tracks, including Rigwiddie Snauchle Strikes Again in Style (22:21) and Moths & Feathers (32:17).
5. How is the CD packaged?
Released on Emanem Records, the CD comes with a detailed booklet containing sleeve notes, musician sketches, and critical insights into the music.
http://www.emanemdisc.com/E5020.html