Schoepke, Dave: Tessellated Resonance

OK, let’s not pretend here, solo drum albums aren’t going to be for everyone - and by solo drum albums I really do mean all drums, all the time. See, I told you this wouldn’t be for everyone, not even taking into account that Dave Schoepke has played alongside the likes of Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Lovanova, Blank Radio and Willy Porter. So, this guy can play, but what’s to do with an eleven track drum solo album? I mean we can’t see the flailing, burning sticks, spinning risers and rotating drum kits on CD can we?

OK, Dave Schoepke isn’t that kind of drummer. Instead we’re talking mood, tone, texture and, yes, notes, here. I remember many moons ago going to a Terry Bozzio drum clinic and unlike the manic tub bashers I’d seen play with countless bands, Mr Bozzio came on stage to rousing applause, calmed us all down and then proceeded to tune his drums so he could play us recognisable pieces of concertos on his ginormous kit. That’s not quite what’s happening here, with Schoepke exploring repetition, rhythm and almost tip-tap tribal themes by way of beautifully tuned percussive ponderings that tell stories and reveal their moods and emotions. This is no manic exhibition of dexterity, speed and showmanship, with less, often meaning more and each note struck being allowed to ring out and convey its own true meaning even as the next tom skin is caressed.

OK, so that sounds intriguing, involving and rather exciting. And it is, but yet it isn’t really. I used to sit behind a kit for many an hour when I was younger and spent days listening to drummers back then for tips, tricks and nuances and yet, even I must admit that with that aspect of this trade now removed from my listening habits, I found maintaining any real interest in these surprisingly introspective and groove free meanders to be a real challenge. I can’t criticise the performances, the arrangements, the (rather fabulous) sound of the whole shebang, or indeed the intention behind it all. However, in the cold light of day, do I want to listen to eleven tracks of gentle pitter patter up, down and roundabout the toms? Not really…

Track Listing
1. Earth Calls
2. Voices Welcome
3. Hartundi
4. Loom Fixer
5. Nemophillist
6. Shorn
7. Sounds After Life
8. Air Above
9. Currents
10. Beyond The Slanting Surfaces
11. The Churning Void

Added: December 11th 2020
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Dave Schoepke @ bandcamp
Hits: 562
Language: english

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