xdementiaPost subject: Lunch With Beardo – Surrealistic Panic CD
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 9:44 pmLunch With Beardo – Surrealistic Panic CD: http://www.lunchwithbeardo.com
FDH Records: http://www.fdhmusic.com
Overall Rating: B+
Composition: A-
Sounds: B+
Production Quality: B+
Concept: B+
Packaging: C
I was pleasantly surprised with this release that came my way featuring some self described “space-a-delic” sounds from people who are supposedly rising from the ashes of several dead punk bands. But punk is not what you will find here. Instead Lunch With Beardo plays heavy psychedelic experimental jams that have a post-rock influence. Maybe I just get that from the spacey guitars but they are a major element here. Think a mixture of Skullflower, Flying Saucer Attack and Infidel/Castro.
Although I definitely enjoy the density of “Innocence to Wisdom” with it's heavy wall of fiddling yet tonal guitar, meandering trumpet manipulations, and varied electronics/found sounds that are often times vocal samples, there are moments when Lunch With Beardo provides some much needed space like in the beginning of “They Ate Wonders of the World.” But they do both effectively and you can tell they have a talent for improvisation because the material seems quite focused and cohesive while staying a writhing beast especially when they have all guns firing at once.
The third and final track is the longest and most epic and twisted. “Space is the Plate” has an excellent start with sparse guitar and trumpet augmented by subtle ambient rumbles and booms emerging from the depths of an unknown sphere of existence. The track spans about 26minutes in length and features some great sounds, manipulated bird calls, gurgling moans, and tense drones. It is about half way into the track where you realize that you are no longer floating peacefully in space, but instead are caught in an asteroid storm of twisting static, crashing cymbals, blazing noise, and screaming trumpets. These improvisations have structure and the instrumental performances work so well together.
If this is where experimental ensembles and post rock is going these days I don't want to miss the train because this is a talented group that obviously has a focused concept and works extremely well together. I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for what they might have in store next.
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