Ten

Editors’ Notes Break of Reality ably straddle the line between classical chamber music and rock in much the same way as groups like Ethel and Rasputina. The band’s previous album, 2012’s Covers, featured versions of songs by everybody from Bach to Metallica; the band has also gotten millions of views for their version of the Game of Thrones theme on YouTube. Conversely, Ten is all original compositions by cellist Patrick Laird and drummer Ivan Travino. It mixes classical cello with some piano and primal drumming as cymbals crash, snare drums crack, and kick drums pummel for much of this. Standouts include the slow-burning anthem “Star,” the jittery pizzicato plucking on “Drift Apart,” and “Helix,” which sounds like it could be from a certain HBO series. Those seeking something closer to classical or chamber music can turn to “Storm’s End” or “Nine Deep.” Cello will never be known as the leading instrument in rock, but its versatility is ably apparent in the right hands, as it is here with Laird.