Alex Cunningham- Axe

Label: Storm Cellar

Released 10/16/2026

“Axe” presents seven improvisations for acoustic violin that push the instrument to its furthest sonic extremes. Overdriven bowing and alternate tunings unlock visceral harmonic palettes and textural passages that present the violin as a completely alien sound device before veering into guttural references to various musical traditions. This is the sound of free improvisation, harsh noise, and American fiddle music linking hands to fall down the stairs. Alex Cunningham is a violinist, improviser, and visual artist based in St. Louis, MO. His recorded output spans free improvisation, drone, noise, and minimalist composition.

Track listing:

1. Axe
2. Anne Charlotte Robertson
3. Sputter
4. Pry
5. I-55 (Panic Attack)
6. The Change is Painful
7. Piece for Tracy