PRIMI

The term 'ex canix' sounds Latin, and if we modify it slightly, to 'ex canis,' we get something like 'out of the dog' or 'from dog(s).' Makes sense, given the album cover of Ex Canix's Primi (which means 'first' in Italian). But the exact spelling 'canix' apparently does not correspond to any established Latin, Swedish, Italian, or English word. When 'canix' is used on the internet, it refers to an athletic pursuit involving running with dogs ('canicross') - - or to cannabis, which also seems fitting for a group that describes themselves as 'get[ing] together in their collective inner space community for travels across the dimensions of mind and sound.' Actually, that's a pretty good characterization of Primi. Ex Canix also claims that they 'travel from Stone Age to Outer Space and back as a community.' 'Stone Age' - - get it?

Anyway, my first experience with Ex Canix was listening to their 2019 album Shaman, which, in comparison to Primi, is much more focused. If both albums are intended to take the listener on a journey, it almost seems like Primi is the tour guides' first trip - - that the proverbial blind are leading the blind.

For example, on 'Feed the Monster,' the off-kilter drumming and percussion, combined with the the upbeat sax improvisation, is miles from the hypnotic mystery of Shaman's similarly rhythmic 'Raga Muffin.' And Primi's 'Out There' sounds experimental for the sake of experimentation. On the other hand, 'Slow for You' and 'Dreamland' are more successful at balancing experimentation and purpose, although this balance is improved further on Shaman.

Compared to Shaman, Primi is surprisingly jazzy in places - - on the opening passages of 'Feed the Monster' and 'Out There,' for example; and both 'Dreamland' and 'Minetta' have a jazzy feel throughout. These two are my favorites, along with the opening track, 'Can You Take Me to Tay Umago.' 'Can You Take Me' also answers the question as to why Ex Canix was initially classified as Krautrock on Prog Archives - - it's a freakout along the lines of early Tangerine Dream or Ash Ra Tempel.

The fairest rating for Primi is three stars, but as I'm sure you can tell, I suggest that listeners give Shaman a try first.