Picking up where 2005’s Baobob left off, the latest album by this 10-member group — which has its origins in nine countries but is now based in Cleveland — unleashes an avant-garde sound that’s downright strange at times. Songs like “A Treat I Do Not Desire” and “Blue Tinge” hint at the exotic, readymade for, say, your next yoga session. From the electric guitar that drives “Tortoise Shell” to the six minutes of desperation in “Who Darkened the Sun,” the group brings a different mood and scene to each song. Most of the album is instrumental, with a few rugged lyrics thrown in. Either way, it’s filled with welcome WTF moments. — Courtney Kerrigan
This article appears in Apr 4-10, 2012.
Wow, I have this album and it is phenomenol. Didn’t think it’d get reviewed here but very cool. This band is like nothing ever to come out of Cleveland (or wherever they’re all from). Stunning playing, excellent writing. May not be everyone’s tastes but for the adventurous this hits the spot.