Crazed experimental rock from outer space
Steward Willons | Illinois | 07/15/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hovercraft is a very unique band. It uses the familiar guitar/bass/drums instrumentation, but somehow makes it sound different than any other guitar/bass/drums trio out there. A good portion of this is due to Campbell 2000's guitar work, which can only be described as bizarre. While there are a lot of crazy effects, delays, and loops going on, at least half of the strangeness is in the way he plays the actual instrument. Some parts are almost like Derek Bailey, while others are directly from outer space. Sadie 7 and Karl 3-30 play the role of straightmen (technically, Sadie 7 is a woman) on bass and drums respectively. They keep the rhythm and texture going while Campbell 2000 colors with broad strokes.
I'm not sure exactly how much improvisation is involved here - I suspect quite a lot. There seem to be various sections in a deliberate order, but within these lengthy sections, the interplay seems spontaneous. Most of the tracks are fairly lengthy, which gives the musicians ample time to really stretch out and explore. Some parts feel more composed than others (such as the beginning and end of "De-Orbit Burn"), but that's the beauty - it's a freely developing structured improvisation that has form and just makes a lot of sense to listen to. You're never quite sure how this music is being made, but the musicians are in total control. Even if these are essentially long 'jams', they're in no way self-indulgent or difficult to listen to.
Hovercraft won't appeal to everyone. The intensity never lets up and they're plenty noisy. I'm tempted to draw some sort of comparison with Sonic Youth or the Boredoms, but it's only comparable insofar as they all, at times, do a variation on noise rock. It's not really a strong comparison, but what do you do when describing a band that doesn't sound like anyone else?
If you're an adventurous listener, you might enjoy this. I think it's a unique and special album. Fans of experimental rock should check this out."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1