Prog, the latest offering from The Bad Plus, is among the discs being spun in the ALARM office this week.
Here’s a brief look at some recent releases that have
received attention in our confines during the week of May 14-18, 2007.
The Bad Plus
Prog (Heads Up International)
Release: 5/8/07
The piano/bass/drums jazz trio of Ethan Iverson, Reid Anderson, and David King is back with its first release on Heads Up International. The best moments of Prog include the rhythmic thumps of “Physical Cities” and the melody of “1980 World Champion,” but the boys’ usual assortment of covers certainly don’t disappoint. Rush, Tears for Fears, David Bowie, and Burt Bacharach all get makeovers this time around.
Neurosis
Given to the Rising (Neurot Recordings)
Release: 5/22/07
The latest full-length album from sludgy dirge masters Neurosis is as pummeling as one would imagine, but manages to incorporate a bit of beautiful clean-channel work in the introduction of “To the Wind.” The band reminds us of its modus operandi later in the track, however, as a lengthy, guttural utterance of the very same words is unleashed while surrounded by silence.
Neurosis: “Water is Not Enough”
Boris with Michio Kurihara
Rainbow (Drag City)
Release: 5/22/07
(This review, which can be read here in its entirety, will be printed in ALARM’s summer issue.)
More suspension than solution, Rainbow, a collaborative effort with drone/blues/metal pioneers Boris and psych-rock veteran Michio Kurihara (Ghost, White Heaven, The Stars) strikes a rare balance. “Sweet No. 1” is such a raucous, barnstorming, psychedelic seizure that even the most meditative soul would be hard pressed not to jump about to it. Evoking classic rock, metal, psychedelia, and the avant-garde in ways that could appeal to those who like none of the above, Rainbow is a welcome tonic.
Birds of Avalon
Bazaar Bazaar (Volcom Entertainment)
Release: 5/22/07
The 70s-inspired tunes and southern flair of North Carolina rockers Birds of Avalon get you in the mood for hot summer nights and cold beer. Featuring dueling guitars from Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler, formerly of The Cherry Valance.