FAKE JOKES

I love bands that release 30 minutes long albums. Most of the times this fact demonstrates the artists' free and independent spirit and a mild way to raise their middle fingers at the all-devouring music industry. I sense that the three members of Carpadium must be such guys. Probably they like to hang out with each other, drinking beers, talking about music and jamming relentlessly. This is the feeling that comes out of their music. Unfortunately, I haven't yet listened to their debut so I can't compare the two albums but ''Fake Jokes'' made me feel certain about one thing: They revel in what they do. What's more important than that?

The album consists of six instrumental tracks, ranging from 2 to 7 minutes. Surely, Carpadium delivers progressive rock but a very modern version of it, meaning that they are not stuck in some 70's patterns. Their style is mainly math rock but blends elements from many different genres such as alternative, post rock, avant garde, even a little punk. I read somewhere that they present ''Fake Jokes'' as noise rock inspired. Well, I wouldn't say that they perform noise rock (though they definitely step on experimental fields in tracks like ''Premium bananas'') but they do use guitar sounds and effects extensively and in a very interesting way. There is a schizophrenic mood in their compositions, I'm sure they like bands like Mr. Bungle, King Crimson or artists generally inspired by Frank Zappa's great school of rock. Many things happen throughout the songs, many changes in riffs, grooves and melodies, keeping the listener's interest high. All three musicians are excellent but especially in the guitar work, you may find parts of extreme technicality. Though they have nothing to do with heavy metal, some guitar (multi-tapping?) themes reminded me a bit of Animals As Leaders.

I'd only ask for a little better production, it's not bad but I feel that the music could use a little more clarity. Also, in the songwriting area, there are many beautiful but short-lasting parts that could be used as a basis for longer instrumental explorations to be built upon. I feel that a little more space is required for some ideas to grow more. My favorite tracks are the opening ''Books'' and ''Living in the Little Rock''.

To conclude with, Carpadium sounds like a very promising band of good contemporary prog and intelligent music, highly entertaining, passionate, talented and with the right underground attitude. Certainly worth checking out and if some details will be taken care of, maybe we'll listen to even better things in the future. Until the next time, well done guys!

3.5 real stars. http://www.aldebaran-art.com/carpadium-fake-jokes/#more-1229