Out of Kalamazoo, MI, come these folks, dubbing themselves FORGET THE TIMES, wielding their swaying rhythms of broken guitar melodies and jazzy swagger. At times completely chaotic, other times slightly more relaxed (slightly), but all the while a feeling of panic and confusion soaks the songs. For free improv, jazz influenced noise rock, these guys is hip.
Escape from the Planet of Llamas was released on cassette by
Already Dead, a recently new tape and vinyl label also based out of Kalamazoo, MI, co-run by Sean Hartman of this very band. The first two songs, 'Early Morning Rabbit Hole' and 'Ponchos and Python Boots,' fully let the listener know what they're in for; the tight spasms of three layered guitars and a lone drummer, all attacking each other for control over the bystanders' ears. This in turn moved onto the epic 12 minute jam, 'Beau Soleil Moon Frye,' and the most frantic song on the album, 'Flying V Gtr Made Of Real Live Honking Geese.' Every now and then you can catch a glimpse of some of their influences, namely U.S. Maple or Captain Beefheart for the off-kilter songs and harmony. A great part of me hears some Gorge Trio thrown in there, with the improv jams of a constructed nature.
The album plays out like a post-apocalyptic landscape, constantly mutating and adapting itself to destroy us. But the beauty is, you can listen to the entire thing on their bandcamp, RIGHT NOW! And you can download it for $1, or for free in the link below. Or get a hard copy through the mail from Already Dead Tapes, go to their website for more info. Keep an eye out for these guys, they'll be on tour, you can see their schedule on their bandcamp.
My last post will be what is, in my opinion, a truly sublime album, as Janet Lawson may well be one of my favorite jazz singers. She's got a free scatting style that's reminiscent of 70s work by singers like Flora Purim, Jackie Cain, or Monika Linges: very breezy, in a mode that works perfectly with her loosely swinging combo —which has a definite fusion bent!
