20/03/2005 Downtown Music Gallery, NYC

The consistently fabulous Leo label continues to unearth creative music form spirits known and often unknown.

Recorded at concerts in Hungary, these sound like composed pieces, somewhere between modern jazz and progressive influences.

Intricate ideas, majestic and melodic, melancholy and elegant.

Both Matthew and Duncan are well matched, both coming from a similar place, both have warm, pure tones and touches to their playing. Matt uses the nimble side of the volume pedal, letting them notes swirl sweetly, like leaves swaying in the breeze.

01/05/2004 François Couture, All Music Guide

Biathanatos introduced New Zealanders Matthew Mitchell and Duncan Haynes to Leo Records' audience of avant jazz-ophiles and free improv fans.

What the listener remembers from this album is its soft-spoken attitude and its intellectual prettiness -- the tunes' refinement is certainly pleasing, like in "Les Fauves" and "Incarnation."

The set concludes on a piece with gospel inflections, "Salaspils," a perfect summary of the duo's chemistry and deep understanding.

There is no denying its artistry, creativity, and understated charm.

01/05/2004 Christian Carey, Splendid ezine

There is a fleetness of touch in the musicians’ performances that makes the music seem to take flight. The result is a
mysteriously beautiful composition that I never wanted to end.

To create an articulate structure with contextual logic and a followable narrative is an art-form; to do so in a group context is even more challenging.

That Mitchell and Haynes make it sound so easy, so suffused with consummate musicianship is a credit to their promising talent and impeccable taste.