DON CABALLERO 2

I remember the Guy Caballero character well from the SCTV show that I used to watch as a teenager.That show had comedians such as John Candy, Martin Short, Eugene Levy and on and on. Tthese people were brilliant at improvisation, that is what they were known for. I mention that because the band DON CABALLERO know a thing or two about improvisation. As a matter of fact they probably remind me more of KING CRIMSON then any other band I know.The drummer Damon Che is the star of this band and is one of the most amazing drummers I have ever heard ! Add to that two lead guitarists and a bass player and you have sort of a young version of KING CRIMSON playing in the style of "Construcktion Of Light" and "Power To Believe". Only these guys can be even more violent and savage, not afraid to hit you with a wall of distortion either, or an ear piercing screaming guitar solo.

These guys play intricate, complex music as is heard right away on the first song "Stupid Puma". Again i'm in awe of the drumming especially 3 minutes in. He is frantic and relentless,but in total control. More Fripp-like guitar in "Please Tokio, Please This Is Tokio" as well as drumming like I have never heard before ! The Post-Rock feel arrives 7 minutes in as we hear (what sounds like) the noises of someone using a grinder.This is followed by waves of sounds, giving the impression that they are building something that should not exist. The rhythm section is mind numbing in the song "P,P,P Antless".

There are some very good riffs in the song "Repeat Defender". It's like the drums and bass are competing against the guitars for our attention. Amazing ! "Dick Suffers Is Furious With You" is industrial sounding to open. More relentless heaviness in this one.The song speeds up and slows back down. "Cold Knees (in April)" features this light guitar melody until it is absolutely flattened by a wall of distortion.The light guitar melody does not recover, and never returns. "Rollerblade Success Story" opens with more angular guitar lines.This song quickly becomes chaotic before actually turning into an almost pastoral calm. "No One Gives A Hoot About Faux-Ass Nonsense" is almost tasteful to begin with before the aggression attacks. More intricate drum patterns and Fripp-like guitar melodies before this one is over.

Now I can breathe. If you are a fan of drumming then I insist that you find this record. Do you love complex, instrumental music ? Don Caballero is looking for you. 4.5 stars.