Search - Crime in Choir :: Crime in Choir

Undiscovered prog rock gem

fnord77 | edinboro, pa, altered states of america | 05/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"(Let me preface this missive by stating my amazement at being the first amazon regular to review this album)
I first heard this album whilst sitting at a friend's apartment, after hearing it in its entireity, I immediately decided that I had to own it. Don't let its brief running time deceive you, there are entire worlds within this music.
Coming out of California (not entirely sure from where, probably San Fran) and sounding like Don Cab with synths or a more focused and propulsive tortoise, this is truly a wonderfully postmodern prog rock album. The Don Cab comparison is mostly due to (hella fans take note) Zach Hill's jaw-droppingly inventive and fluid skin work. Hill's drumming is obviously influenced by the jittery stylings of breakbeat techno or drum and bass, whereas Don Cab's Damon Che came from a more jazz-influenced background, and it shows in the spacey techno beats of "Pictures in the dictionary" and "Come here, raider", both standout cuts.
Never fear, though, there exists fine guitar work, fat basslines, complex song structures, and off-meter signature work for all prog rock afficionados ("Girl named Jesus" and "Cincinnati" come to mind)in the land. "Cincinnati" also boasts a wonderful vocal sample at the end which I am unfortunately unable to place to this day that adds to the prog/techno comparisons.
Anyway, buy it, enjoy, and check out hella if you haven't already, freaky drumming and lightning fast guitar for all. Don't fear the prog, people!"