OF NATURAL HISTORY

I'd like to begin this review by stating that in my opinion this recording is the best release of 2004 in any category - not just progressive rock. It reminds me of my coming of age years in the late 60s/early 70s when (some) new album releases seemed to go beyond entertainment to give essential information and perspective concerning our shared situation.

For those of you unfamiliar with the band, it's worth saying that although I can discern a variety of influences here, these musicians have created a collective sound which is entirely their own. In many respects the instrumentation (guitar, bass, drums, tuned percussion,violin) hearkens back to progressive rock of the past. I hear Lark's Tongues era Crimson, Art Bears, Zappa and others in this mix, but I suspect that this is a reflection of my listening habits more than anything else. There are also heavy metal elements - to me perhaps reminiscent of Meshuggah and Dillinger Escape Plan along with "serious" composition technique. All of this combined with unusual homemade instruments gives the music a very dense texture. Nevertheless, the compositional logic is sufficiently compelling to render every detail clearly.

The subject matter of the album reflects an overarching concern for the state into which the human love affair with technology is leading us. One of the songs is an epic (and I don't use this word with tongue in cheek) concerning the Unabomber. There are also quotes from the Unabomber and the Italian Futurists in the booklet that comes with the CD along with very interesting and compelling artwork.

The hallmark of this recording is that it has an intensely visceral impact. It combines considerable compositional, instrumental, and storytelling techniques with a directness which makes it very accessible (at least for this listener).

I've heard tell that this band is even better live.....