SCIENCE FIXION - STING OF THE STAR SPIDER (CD - REVIEW)
OK - despite a delay in part due to a postal strike in
Scotland, here is a lengthy (sorry!) review of the Science Fixion
CD, the band promoted by RShamms Mortier of this list. For those
not wanting to wade through my ramblings, then here is a shorter
version of the review ~ "Brilliant - buy it and enjoy".
**
Sting of the Star Spider is one of the most intricate
arrays of music I have ever had the difficult jobs of reviewing. I
can only describe it as "eclectic". There are elements of trad.
jazz, blues, latin, swing, funk, classical, reggae and rock, all
thrown into the pot and flavoured in a very pleasing way. In
fairness I personally wouldn't have labelled Science Fixion "Acid
Jazz",(but I want to stay clear of the acid jazz? debate).
The band numbers 6 in total and the line up includes
acoustic guitars, electric guitars, a cello, percussion, saxes,
synth, grand piano and a Mellotron(!) with some gravel path vocals.
They achieve a well rounded and "live" sound with sparing use of the
electrics and a live percussion section. I can't recall the last
time I heard a cello used in a jazz line up to such good effect.
The overall effect is a cross between Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, and
Eric Dolphy.
In the 13 tracks we are treated to a Floydian and
Zapperesque opening couplet which bear New Orleans and trad jazz
inner-sleeves respectively ("Its all Science Fixion to me" & "Good
'Ol Terra Firma"). These run to a funky riff in "Mama Lilah" via the
exquisitely bizarre fun-tune of the closest we get to a title track,
"The Star Spider". Then in order we are treated to a trad jazz tune
with latin roots ("Song for Chick"), "Drifters in the void" a
straight recurrent-theme based tune with solos passing between band
members ably supported by the gentle roaming of the piano
underneath...and on into the "Old Rastafarian" - a tune with heavy
reggae influences despite the best attempts of a traditional sound
to dispel this!
The final 6 tracks stay firmly in the "jazz camp", save for
the haunting wails of "Pentagrammaton" which combines a medieval
sounding chant with gothic lyrics and a bizarre cello and voice
accompaniment. "Dear God I'm Crazy", has a really funky opener and
then spins into a frenetic and truly crazy piece lined with a
really persistent percussion line. "Inclination" is
probably the most abstract piece on the CD, and just about
my favourite. "Never Abandon Hope" opens with a great latin
section driven by a thrilling xylophone, it then ambles into a
vocal bit which reminds me of a Musical Chorus (viz. the
rallying song of the rebels in Les Miserables). The CD finishes with
the the head nodding, even if formulaic "Walking in a Space of
Understanding".
The listening at first can be difficult with the influences
changing so much. Yet the listener constantly has the security of
what is a very distinctive sound from the line-up. I get the
feeling that each of these guys is an accomplished musician in his
own right and they've come together to make some great sounds.
Occasionally the individuals' single-mindedness can show through the
music in that some sequences seem a little dislocated, yet never to
the point of collapse.
One of the other reviewers referred to it as "happy
music", and I would tend to agree; several of the tracks put a
smile on my face, and the band play to the point of parody in
places. Several chunks of tracks leave you thinking "what a great
idea, why don't I ever think of that?".
You won't necessarily enjoy every track on the CD, but you
can't but fail to find something that appeals.
"Its really strange - I can't figure it out" drawls the
last line of the opening track. Perhaps he was referring to Sting
of the Star Spider - the trick is not to try, just enjoy the blend
of styles served up on a bed of impishness, and sit back for over
an hour of pure pleasure.
Andy BEAUMONT - EDINBURGH, UK.
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When I was a little boy I had but little wit; ~~||~~
'Tis a long time ago, And I have no more yet; ( @ @ )
Nor ever, ever shall, until that I die, []
For the longer I live the more fool am I. \--/