This Canadian musical duo teamed up as far back as 1988 and released three impressive studio albums plus one soundtrack in less than four years. Nominated for two Juno awards, it appeared that Exchange’s musical creativity was on fire. With their success somewhat limited to North America, the greater world at large was not yet exposed to this duo. They were equally comfortable writing both instrumental and lyric driven songs yet 1993 saw the release of the stellar Beyond Words compilation that focused entirely on their instrumental music at the height of New Age music’s popularity. Then much like the genre, Exchange just disappeared. So the release of 2012’s Eleven Eleven driven by the duo’s instrumental creativity is a sight for sore eyes.

Clocking in at just over forty minutes, Eleven Eleven is chockablock full of Gerald O’Brien and Steve Sexton’s compelling but not overwhelming instrumental compositions. The production is rarely over the top and the duo has remained faithful in the sound of Exchange keeping the music engraved and rooted in their electronic yet warm production.

The album opens with the slow builder “Twilight” with the two keyboard players gently playing off each other aided by the vocal textures of Abby Hinton. However, this is the only hint of vocals throughout the entire album. If the opening track left any doubt for the naysayers then the eccentric mystical keyboard work along with the electronic percussion on “Aaron Of Aleth” should erase and dispel any and all concerns. Even better, the title track has a beautiful haunting melody that will have you completely sold that Exchange is back.

Even when Exchange does not quite hit the bull’s eye it is their sense of adventure that keeps their music from becoming stale and dated. This can be found on the at times overbearing “Love And Fear” and “Secrets We Keep”. However, this is offset by the additional gems such as the moody yet joyous “Malice” and the reflective closer “Forgotten” that is frankly quite unforgettable.

So it has been over twenty years since they released their last recording of complete original material and eleven years since their last compilation In A Changing World that featured a few new recorded tracks. Needless to say Eleven Eleven despite its low profile is a breath of fresh of air and a long overdue recording from the way overlooked Canadian duo Exchange.