This Week’s Best Albums: May 12, 2009
Big Business: Mind the Drift (Hydra Head)
Following two albums of frenzied beats, thunderous bass, and epics howls, the punishing rhythm section known as Big Business has officially bestowed the title of third member to touring guitarist Toshi Kasai.
Between the addition of Kasai and the band’s natural progression, the group’s third album, Mind the Drift, is its “weirdest, most epic album yet” according to indefatigable drummer Coady Willis. And that’s a welcome direction, because even the best of artists grow tiresome when they become stagnant.
Kasai’s presence is easily detected via prominent, quasi-clean guitar lines that undulate high above Willis and bassist Jared Warren‘s familiar murk and mire. Bits of organ and bizarre vocal moments additionally separate Mind the Drift from its predecessors, and purposeful restraint is evident on nearly every track.
“The Drift” and “Ayes Have It” are semi-operatic singalongs that showcase Warren’s vocals and will be instant favorites. Yet the rumbling distortions remain, comprising the backdrop for much of Big Business’ newfound experimentation. Mind the Drift may polarize fans, but it’s far from leaving the trio as unrecognizable.
Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra: Take Off! (Alien Transistor)
Led by 25-year-old German composer Daniel Glatzel, the Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra is a 20-piece modern classical ensemble with its hands in film scores, jazz, and much more. For reference, Glatzel cites videogames and elevator music as influences alongside Béla Bartók and Arnold Schoenberg.
Take Off! is a beautiful and dazzling creation, romping through playful orchestrations, big-band swing, foreboding soundtrack cues, sad string arrangements, and more. Without prior knowledge, one might mistake it to be the work of someone forty years Glatzel’s senior.
Music fans may recognize the ensemble’s work with The Notwist for its live album and newest effort, The Devil, You & Me. Shortly enough, however, the industry should take notice of Glatzel and his masterful creations.
Jeremy Enigk: OK Bear (Lewis Hollow)
Scaling back a bit from the instrumental overdubs of albums past, former Sunny Day Real Estate frontman Jeremy Enigk mostly employs a minimalist rock lineup (plus piano) for his newest solo release.
Enigk’s high-pitched vocal leads are instantly recognized, and they fit well with the soft, somber tunes of his personal catalog (even if they also fit the harder rock moments of Sunny Day Real Estate).
Fans waited a decade between his first solo release, the 1996 album Return of the Frog Queen, and 2006 album World Waits. Enigk has since issued three albums in three years, and those who enjoy his work should have no qualms with this melodic singer/songwriter disc.