FORSQUEAK

Forsqueak is an instrumental post rock group from Palermo featuring Bruno Pitruzzella, Sergio Schifano, Luca La Russa and Simon Sfameli. They released their debut in 2013 and their follow-up FSK in 2017, both on Almendra Records, an artist-run label also from Palermo. They mention influences as diverse as Battles, Mogwai, and Robert Wyatt. Forsqueak is a unique and modern improvisational group that reminded me at first of stuff like '80s Crimson and Summers-Fripp, mathematical and exploratory for sure, but also with a streak of jamming alt-pop/rock elements one might expect from The Police or even The Pixies. They also have an edge of avant-jazz at times.

It's very interesting how their repetitive guitar lines unfold back and forth over each other, different lines going different places, but then eventually the rhythms and melodies meet back up, seemingly by chance. The guitar lines dance with each other. This band is more direct and to-the-point than many of those dreamier post rock bands who float along serenely, but there are some lighthearted, quirky passages. So as you can see, they're a bit all-over-the-map with their sound, which is the point! This is a good album and they have excellent chops, but I'm afraid I appreciate their sound more than I love it.