Pray For Brain: None of the Above

I wasn't sure what to expect from a band called Pray For Brain released on 7d Media, a label formed by Trey Gunn (formerly of King Crimson).

The trio consists of Christine Nelson (bass), Jefferson Voorhees (drums, percussion) and Mustafa Stefan Dill (guitars, oud). Funk, world, jazz, fusion and rock are just some of the genres touched upon making for an interesting and dynamic listening experience. These eleven tracks boast plenty of chops, improvisation and a jam-like quality that will keep you guessing where the music will go next.

"Drop The Needle" is an up-tempo rave up featuring funky guitar rhythms, great bass work and subtle Middle Eastern guitar tones. "Grind Responsibly" starts out slower with some clean guitar bending before the band kick it up a couple of notches. There is a hint of Led Zeppelin in the main guitar riff. "Leo" features a crystal clean guitar intro and as the tempo increases there is a slight country feel in the riffage. Jam band, jazz fusion and psychedelic overtones abound as Dill's guitar work absolutely shines. "Taksim Lami" takes us to India with some fabulous oud picking before the band gives us their own unique interpretation of surf music with the hypnotic "Sufisurf" where Arabia is the next country of choice. After all the high intensity musical workouts of the first few tracks, the calming "Waltz" is a nice reprieve with trippy guitar excursions and Nelson's ever present upright bass.

I think fans of fusion music will certainly find something to enjoy with None of the Above. Folks, this one's a keeper.

Track Listing:
1. Drop The Needle
2. Grind Responsibly
3. Leo
4. Taksim Lami
5. Sufisurf
6. Hawk And Mouse
7. Waltz
8. Five
9. God's Mirrors
10. Circus
11. Bhangrabilly

Added: September 9th 2014
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 2143
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]