There is no greater pleasure then coming across a band whose music, defies categorization and refuses to subscribe to any one particular genre. Such is the case with the Philadelphia based outfit known as Capillary Action. Led by chief songwriter, guitarist / vocalist Jonathan Pfeffer, the band's latest independent offering So Embarrassing is a veritable sonic gumbo that draws from many varied sources. The cryptic, tongue in cheek lyrics coupled with a musical modus operandi which seems to benefit from a serious case of ADD, makes for one hell of a potent combination. Pfeffer's vocals range from big band style crooner one minute to Mike Patton like screams the next. His guitar work is just as eclectic, as he morphs from moments of jagged, Fugazi style aggression ("Bloody Nose") to cleaner almost jazzy passages with apparent ease, sometimes all within the same song. Not to be outdone, keyboardist Kevin McHugh turns in some shimmering jazz influenced performances on the Fender Rhoades on tracks "Pocket Protection Is Essential" and "Elevator Fuck", which also has a splendid Brazilian style rhythmic workout underneath an extremely exuberant horn section. In today's day and age where any sound can be successfully replicated via keyboard or computer, the fact that they chose to actually employ a 9 piece ensemble of horns and strings on some tracks says a lot about their overall vision.
So Embarrassing features a different surprise at seemingly every turn. The music throughout is extremely varied, the performances superlative, and to suggest that each of these four musicians is technically adept would be a big understatement. If you like music that confronts you head on, with a terrific blend of aggression, humor and diversity, and most importantly, with no borders, then Capillary Action will be more than happy to provide the perfect soundtrack for you.
Track Listing
1) Gambit
2) Pocket Protection Is Essential
3) Elevator Fuck
4) Placebo or Panacea
5) Bloody Nose
6) Badlands
7) Paperweights
8) Father of Mine
9) The Chaperone
10) Sexy Koala
11) Self-Released
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