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Chemical Clock: Chemical Clock
ByThe opening title track is a carefully orchestrated exercise in sonic mayhem. Punctuated by a herky-jerky free-bop line played in unison, the band fervidly explores free improv and a manic variant of prog-metal in a rapid fire sequence reminiscent of John Zorn's Naked City or one of Mike Patton's more jazz- oriented projects. "Blind Topographer" has an appealing minimalist slant to it. After a breakdown, Larsenhere effects-freebuilds a sweetly lyrical solo over the increasingly acrobatic, bounding rhythm section. "Neurotic Bricklayer" does something similar. Starting out with a violent, thrashy theme, the piece takes a detour through some ECM-inspired terrain to support another fine improvisation by Larsen. By contrast, Larsen takes an in-your-face approach with the electrified axe on "People In Particular," as it moves from from spaz- jazz to noise-rock and back.
On the band's less-aggressive side, there's "Undercurrent," with an orchestral synth wash and slow-burn crescendo that recalls trumpeter Cuong Vu's recent Agogic disc (on which drummer Evan Woodle also plays a vital role). The closing "Gumball Machine" has an off- kilter, prog-rock majesty to it courtesy of Sharif's otherworldly synth and Mark Hunter's subsonic bass. They also set the stage for another fine trumpet solo from Larsen. Taken together, these tracks are a far cry from what is normally expected from a trumpet-led quartet.
Refiguring fusion, prog-rock, and a panoply of edgy sub-sub-genres in various unexpected ways seems to be the raison d'être for many Seattle bands these days. Chemical Clock is one of the finest examples of this sort of activity. Hopefully, a full-length release is in the works.
Track Listing
Chemical Clock; Blind Topographer; Undercurrent; Neurotic Bricklayer; People In Particular; Gumball Machine.
Personnel
Chemical Clock
band / ensemble / orchestraRay Larsen: trumpet, electric trumpet; Cameron Sharif: keyboards; Mark Hunter: bass; Evan Woodle: drums.
Album information
Title: Chemical Clock | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Table and Chairs Music
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About Chemical Clock
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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