Best of the Week
Diablo Swing Orchestra - Pacifisticuffs
2017 13 tracks (44:25)
This album has no reason to have any success at reaching a significant audience given how the base format includes a cellist, bossa nova rhythms, a songbird of a vocalist, and a brass section along with a few assorted “normal” instruments from prog rock bands, but it works, damnit! The production is off the charts, the meshing and mixing of these disparate sounds, and flat out coolness of each song is phenomenal. They may never find a regular following, but that’s their loss. Each song is a piece of art. The closest thing I can think of is when Frank Zappa went into full tilt esoteric mode and even he wouldn’t hold a candle to the bizarro nature of DSO. Given DSO has five or six albums and have been around for 20 years suggests there is enough of a following to expect more to come. That is great news. A-
OSI - Free
2006 20 tracks (1:33:38)
More smart progressive electronica from this side project group. The two principals, guitarist Matheos and keyboardist Moore get help from drummer Mike Portney and bassist Vera to round out the band. Comparisons to Nine Inch Nails would be appropriate. Matheos is the vocalist and there have been criticisms on his lack of range, but I like it. Besides, the strength in the songs is how the are crafted and played in an engaging manner. I put a lot of the cuts on my playlist because they consistently deliver. A-
Interesting Finds
Queens of the Stone Age - In Times New Roman…
2023 10 tracks (47:39)
It may have started in Seattle, but it doesn’t sound like Seattle grunge. It is about as bare bones of a rock band as you can get. Their success depends completely on how the songs can carry the vibe, sometimes yes and sometimes no. One of the more interesting cuts is “Straight Jacket Fitting” that moves through a few different ideas. Okay to mix in a few of these cuts to a playlist. B
Rishloo - Living as Ghosts With Buildings as Teeth
2014 8 tracks (50:31)
The theatrical nature of this rock band clearly was influenced by Queen. Clearly not a copycat of Queen, they have their own style and manner closer to a hard rock genre. They are just on the edge of being really interesting. B-
Isole - Anesidora
2023 7 tracks (46:09)
Dark progressive doom metal from Sweden that has its moments. What it does have in its favor is the ability to integrate tuneful elements and enjoyable vocals while maintaining a dark timbre, “Twisted Games” is a fine example of this. Despite the positives, you really have to be in the mood to listen to this genre and most likely in small doses. It’s just hard on the senses. C
Sermon - Of Golden Verse
2023 10 tracks (48:42)
Of mysterious origin, it apparently is a one-person effort helped by others, all of which want to remain anonymous. That’s crazy, because within the vast number of bands that play a dark simpler version of progressive rock, they deserve recognition. Songs like “The Distance” will make you boogie in your seat despite the dark undertones. Yes, it’s dark, but it’s an enjoyable darkness in most respects. B+
Bendik - No gar det over (Now it’s Over)
2014 9 tracks (34:01)
Bendik isn’t her name, she’s Halstensen from Bergen Norway. She has a lovely voice with presentable modern rock. Normally music sung in a language other than English is difficult for me to connect to (my Anglo centric bias shines through). But her voice is the key to making it work. Probably the only thing that makes this a record unappealing is the regular 3-4 minute pop song structure. It’s too limiting to get full engagement. C
Blood Command - Praise Armageddonism
2022 10 tracks (36:49)
If you are missing the days of high energy punk rock of the 80’s, this band from Bergen will cure your ills. How the almost 8 minute “Last Call for Heaven’s Gate” is able to keep going for the duration of the song is amazing. There are other moments, not nearly as satisfying that results in scream rock. So choosing the right song is important. C
Viagra Boys - Cave World
2022 12 tracks (40:31)
Normally, a band with a throw away name like Viagra Boys doesn’t have much of a chance at musical satisfaction. The rock has a basic sound and rhythm that the White Stripes would embrace. The Clash comes to mind, at least the vocals and overall vibe. It’s not too shabby, but lacking killer tunes numbs the interest. C
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