END OF THE WORLD PARTY

Medeski Martain & Wood are usually all about the groove. This album is the epitome of that style. Every song locks in to a groove and doesn't back down. Bass churns, drums keep time, keys solo away/provide atmosphere, all in the attempt to support a single rhythmic function. I have to agree with the reviewer above me...this album's biggest problem is the lack of diversity. The best songs on the album add a little something extra to the mix, but at the end of the day, are in the same spirit of the rest of the songs on the album. And that spirit is groovy. Other MM&W albums embrace other musical approaches, which is one of my favorite things about this band. They aren't afraid to do something different and are (seemingly) willing to try anything once. That philosophy doesn't hold as much water here, which is unfortunate.

However, this album does have some stand out tracks that make this album worth it. It begins incredibly strong with Anonymous Skulls, one of my favorite MM&W tracks. The groove is well established, but the creepy atmosphere teamed up with some more uncomfortable sounds produced makes this song stand out in the crowd. End Of The World Party is an interesting track, with some terrible vinyl scratching's added. But beyond that, the song is solid. Bloody Oil is also a top tier track that is just as enjoyable as any song from any other album. Sadly, after Bloody Oil, the album takes a turn for the monotonous, until the end. New Planet through Sasa set up the groove and keep it going. Honestly, there is little if anything to set each track apart from the next. A groove is established, the drums hold things down, something solos, a melody is repeated, the song ends. (Or something close to that anyway.) While none of the songs or playing is bad, nothing is particularly excellent. Luckily, it does pick up again at the end with Midnight Poppies/Crooked Birds, a track with excellent atmosphere that doesn't rely on a groove (at least the Midnight Poppies bit) and Queen Bee, with some nice guitar work (although, I think it could be used more effectively). Additionally, the guest work here is a nice diversifier, and the additional instruments do spruce up the songs they are in.

All in all, this is a good album, but only that. Also, there is really limited rock on this album at all. Its all groovy modern jazz. I wouldn't start my MM&W adventure here, but if you are already a fan, and especially if you prefer there groovy, jazzy side, this is probably worth it. Is this the last album I ever want to hear? No. But come the day, I'll try to slip it into the rotation. 3 stars.

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