Vacuum Tree Head: Rhizomique

There are some albums that defy categorization. Vacuum Tree Head released such an album in 2019 titled Rhizomique. Apparently, this will be the last album for the band which formed all the way back in 1989. The album was created as a soundtrack for an as yet unnamed movie. It’s kind of Zappa-ish in places, very off the beaten path, exploring elements of rock and jazz with a large dollop of avante-garde thrown on top. Saxophone seems to be the dominant instrument, weaving melodies that burst with creativity.

The disc begins with the “Hegemony Cricket�, an instrumental with a coherent structure built on saxophone, clarinet and flute. It’s a fun ride, wild in nature yet held within a compositional structure. “Bosses� is more bizarre, mostly due to the strange vocals of Amy X Neuburg. Her over the top crooning will likely be an acquired taste but she does add a certain amount of charm and a bit of ‘60s flair. On “Nubdug� the band include some heavier guitar punch with a little fuzz that seems to go well with their peculiar brand of experimental jazz. The band’s experimentation continues with “Marlon Brando� with a rich tenor sax in front of jazzy drums before Neuburg’s acrobatic vocals take center stage. Again, her vocals have that ‘60s thing going on that is hard to describe but rest assured is there. These guys and gal do not know how to play it safe as the music veers in a different direction when you least expect it.

Sure, Rhizomique is a little weird, but I am sure Steve Adams and crew would not have wanted it any other way. If you feel like listening to music with a high degree of experimentation, Vacuum Tree Head might be the band for you.

Track Listing:
1. Hegemony Cricket
2. Bosses
3. Nubdug
4. Marlon Brando
5. Mystic Chord
6. Gnostic Charms
7. Meritaten
8. Ems Deluxe
9. Bubbleclaw

Added: July 20th 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 1213
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]