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Worst Pop Band Ever: Dost Thou Believeth in Science?
ByStreet wise yet substantive, these compositions would appeal to fans of Vijay Iyer, Brad Mehldau, or DJ Logic, as dealt by the poised sax/piano front line (Chris Gale and Dafydd Hughes), a robust rhythm section (bassist Drew Birston and drummer Tim Shia), and excellent colorizations by turntablist Leo37.
"House For His Heart" sets the recording's persona with a mid-tempo groove, that's never overplayed or complicated as things begin to cook and simmer nicely. The operative word here is smooth, mellifluous saxophone against as steady throbbing drum and bass, colored by exquisitely placed turntable scratches. This cool vibe continues on "If Only My Name Was Steben And I Believed In Science" with undulating keyboard and soothing improvisational touches and solos.
The oddity in this consistent program is "Man Down" with its combination of blues shuffle and swing. But things get back on track with the atmospheric "Bonita," one of the highlights, with the sound of sampled voices, an expressive sax solo, and dreamy ostinato keyboarding. Things heat up a bit on "Minor Bruise" where Tim Shia's traps drive a sweltering mid-tempo melody.
The remaining tracks are equally satisfying and also feature two sublime vocal selections. The first, a magnetic remake of one of the all time great pop songs Burt Bacharach's and Hal David's "(They Long To Be) Close to You" where Elizabeth Shepherd's sultry voice intertwines with the band's otherworldly touches. It is magical. The second showcases Rhonda Stakich in "Yesterday's News," another delicately balanced work of fine music, vocals and mood. From start to finish Dost Thou Believeth in Science? is hip enough and deep enough for jazzers and non-jazzers alike.
Track Listing
House For His Heart; If Only My Name Was Steben and I Believed in Science; Man Down; Bonita; Minor Bruise; V1; (They Long To Be) Close to You; Pul; Bits and Pieces; Yesterday's News.
Personnel
The Worst Pop Band Ever
band / ensemble / orchestraDrew Birston: bass, weird vocalizations; Chris Gale: saxophone, weird vocalizations; Dafydd Hughes: keyboards; Leo37: turntables; Tim Shia: drums; Elizabeth Shepherd: vocals (7); Rob Ritchie: guitar (8); Rhonda Stakich: vocals (10).
Album information
Title: Dost Thou Believeth in Science? | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: PPF House
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