Named for a a genus of anteaters, Tamandua is an all-instrumental avant garde
progressive/jazz trio from Boston whose music will confuse anyone looking for a
regular "prog" album - and challenge and intrigue the discerning jazz or avant
garde listener.
Basically a drums / sax / guitar lineup, Anteater's music ranges from
perfect synch to perfect chaos, and from tight compositions in some sections to
improvised jamming in others. There are long solos, and the compositions tend
toward minimalism - with texture, counterpoint and open space being just as
important as melody and the layered compositions that traditionally characterize
progressive music.
The intellectual compositions of Rick Landwehr (drums) and Joe Conley
(guitars) are edgy and experimental
in parts, yet on tracks like "Redux", they're softly melodic. The guitar and sax lines
weave intricately through and around each other with a complexity that is elaborate, yet easy to follow. The tunes are angular and complex, and
Anteater's carefully composed dissonance, discord and odd time signatures
conspire to build a high tension that will hold you in suspense - then drop you
in an exhausted heap after the album's forty two minutes.
Even in the quiet sections, the intensity never lets up. A few softer,
more melodic moments might provide contrast and give you a chance to catch your
breath - but this was never meant to be approachable music.
Call it jazz-rock, call it post-rock, call it post-post ... Eternal
Anteater Of The Universe will force you to confront your concept of musical
convention, and defy you to understand it. Not for the faint-of-heart.
1 Giraffe Boy
2 The Gypsy Cat from Persia
3 Lizards in the Reeds
4 Temple of Ghosts
5 Redux
6 The Skeleton Boat
7 To the Planet To
8 Wind Evil Remedy
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