Unicorn Digital has unleashed arguably its most challenging release yet with Bluewolf Bloodwalk — a five-man collective featuring members of some of the most appealing experimental bands on the planet: William Kopecky of Kopecky, Far Corner and Yeti Rain on bass; Joe Kopecky of Kopecky on guitars; Dan Maske of Far Corner on keys, trumpet, flute and percussion; Craig Walkner of Far Corner on drums; and Roger Ebner of Yeti Rain on wind synth and sax. In a letter to reviewers, label honcho Michel St-Pére states: "As usual with these people, this is really weird music."
But it's also immensely rewarding music. Like St- Pére says, the music here is similar to that of the main bands to which members of SAC belong. It's both eclectic and expansive, dense and airy, even haunting and occasionally disturbing. Call it dark fusion, if you will — as the presence of horns significantly increases the overall effectiveness, lending a Miles Davis sheen to many of the seven songs. Sometimes lacking structure but not rhythm, these works of twisted genius often flow like film soundtracks.
The 10-minute title track, with its jazzy piano-and-trumpet combo and lively groove, is the happiest-sounding song here, while the almost-whispered voice of a French seductress in "Immaculate Risen Descents" and "Masks" — set against distant atonal meanderings — may be two of the creepiest pieces of music you've ever heard.
Track Listing:
1) Provocation
2) Lunatic Engine
3) Immaculate Risen Descents
4) Nightwater
5) Necklace of Forever
6) Bluewolf Bloodwalk
7) Masks