Cuneiform Rec. Alec K.Redfearn & The Eyesores : The Quiet Room (US,2005)****'
This Providence band have developed even further their chamber music post-rock (or call it neo-chamber rock) sound. The group continues their ideas of their previous and third album, (which was reviewed on next page). Only now the band is bigger :
Alec K.Redfearn plays here amplified and non-amplified accordion, Hammond B3 organ, jews harps, alarm clock, paper cutter, telephone, piano, bowed cymbals and sings ; Margie Wienk plays string bass and sings ; Alec Thibodeau plays guitar ; Anne Schattle plays horn in F ; Matt McLaren plays drum kit, hand cymbals ; Chris Saraullo plays floor tom, glockenspiel, cowbell, maracas, tambourine ; Jason McGill plays alto sax, brake ; Frank Difficult plays analog and digital recordings, handheld tape recorder. Guests are Sara Stalnaler for cello and Matt Everett on one tracks, and Sarah on one more track.
Like a avant-rock "marching"-chamber-band their energy is simply captivating. It is not really like rock-cabaret but musically a lot happens. "Punjabi/Watery Grave” is especially hypnotic. This track is again (-I mentioned this reference a few times before on other releases-) based upon this hypnotic one note rhythm that could be heard on an Indian hit earlier this year (-a Punjabi rhythm-). Perhaps the most brilliant track on the album, amongst others. There's also one Bulgarian interpretation in their own distinctive style.
A splendid, highly recommended release. Perfect from beginning to end.
