Just the name--Architecture of the Absurd--evokes images of the aforementioned Mr. Zappa, Van Der Graaf Generator, Tom Waits, Focus, and Captain Beefheart. Believe me; Architecture of the Absurd is all that and more. Before I get knee-deep in my review this week I want to clarify that progressive music is more than just "tracks on wax" to me--it truly is a passion--one I enjoy quite zealously. However; I also realize there are times when progheads such as myself get so caught up in the details of the genre that the stylus never gets to touch vinyl..the music is lost in a diatribe about nothing. Before I end up over-stuffed with my own hype and become one of the people I make fun of, I thought it best to just kick back and enjoy seven days of prog pleasure for its own sake...so here we go...
My first sampling from this week's buffet is a song called "Beluga." I am immediately struck by the vocals--there is an eerie similarity to "Weird" Al Yankovic. Not sure if that is intentional, coincidence, or just cruel a twist of fate. Musically Architecture of the Absurd is dialed in; apparently they have the talent to counter their absurdity. The keyboards and guitars work well together, rolling on like so many layers of an orchestra. Did I mention the drums? None other than Marco Minnemann sits behind the kit giving Architecture of the Absurd a solid sound and a little "street cred."
Moving on down the serving line, the next nugget I find is a tune called "Paris Ragtime." The song opens with some funk; I am half expecting an Ebn Ozn concert to break out...Architecture of the Absurd is chameleon-like in their ability to not only change themselves, but also to sing about themselves. Listen closely to the lyrics as they describe their own behavior and antics...quite clever. The percussion here sounds like a flashback of sorts to Jamie Muir's King Crimson days; Architecture of the Absurd does run the gambit when looking for inspiration. Once again Marco Minnemann fills out the song with some outstanding percussion.
Liner Notes...Architecture of the Absurd is Lorenzo Matellan on keyboards and sounds, and Raul Huelvesis--Razl to his friends--on guitars and vocals. Originating under then name Beluga, for reasons not exactly clear the band re-invented itself as Architecture of the Absurd and added not only The Aristocrats' Marco Minnemann on drums, but also bass player extraordinaire Damian Erskine. In addition to experience and talent, Marco and Damian bring musical know-how and a veracity to the band that make them more than just a novelty act. But make no mistake--Lorenzo and Razl can hold their own. Architecture of the Absurd is not your grandpa's progressive rock band...
My third and final selection of the week is a song very apropros to this week's post; "Trying to Be a Court Clown." Very strong guitar work held together with a drum beat that keeps you focused on the music. The background sounds suit the purpose of the carnival-like atmosphere that seems to surround the band. Architecture of the Absurd may not be everyone's choice for a Grammy nomination, but if you are open to new things and able to get past the theatrics and shenanigans, Architecture of the Absurd is a pretty darn good band. Learn more about this crazy quartet at their website http://www.architectureoftheabsurd.com/en/
The cut below is "Paris Ragtime." I chose this clip to give you a bird's eye view of the zany world of Architecture of the Absurd. I like the way the song slides from a techno feel right into a progressive groove...hints of Van Der Graaf Generator and perhaps even a bit of Klaatu oozing through the woofers and tweeters here. Listen with an open mind and remember that it really is OK to put serious on the back burner once in a while...
Well fellow progheads, that was a different week, huh? This prog journey has brought me to many different places around the world. To say it has been a learning experience would be an enormous understatement. But more than that it has been a thrilling ride; learning what prog means to different people in different places has opened my eyes and ears to some incredible artists, music, musicians, and sounds. A little stroll down a section of the closet that has been unexplored until now was different and fun. Of course the journey from here only gets more interesting...until next week...
No comments:
Post a Comment