About

TORSTEIN LAVIK LARSEN

Trumpet and electronics


ARE LOTHE KOLBEINSEN

Guitar and prepared guitar

ULRIK IBSEN THORSRUD

Drums, percussion and saw

…Rustling, crackling, stealthily winding and melodic…


Parallax has a wide open approach to improvisation, and draw on a broad range of influences in their music – jazz, folk, electroacoustic, minimalism and noise. Through the use of extended techniques and found objects they seek to eliminate the traditional roles of different acoustic instruments, and explore the fringe areas of music. One of their methods is acoustic simulation of electronic sounds, and this focus on role reversal and «sound-as-music» is very important in developing their sonic identity, and an integral part of all their activities.


Rather than belonging to any particular "school" of improvisation, Parallax' music is a blend of the members' musical preferences and influences with strong emphasis on interplay and listening. They have forged their own unique take on improvisation that seamlessly draws on an array of influences ranging from Asian folk musics to traditional jazz and abstract soundscapes. The strong focus on interplay gives the music a strong sense of form and direction, and the result is often perceived as being composed. Since forming the group in 2008, they have toured Norway, England, Scotland, France, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Slovenia, Island, Faroe Islands, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Japan, Singapore, US, Canada, China and Hong Kong. They have released eight albums: “Live In The UK”, “Krutthuset” & Den tredje dagen" as trio,  "Skogen", "Asken" & "Strypetak" with Anne Hytta,  "Lighthouse" with Hafdis Bjarnadottir & "Flimmer" with Ensemble neoN.


Parallax has collaborated several composers, musicians and artists, and has produced several commissioned works.