TriPod's Prog-Jazz-Rock: A Uniquely Wonderful Experience
Written: Oct 15 '03 (Updated Oct 15 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Interesting arrangements, great songs, amazing performances...
Cons: Probably much too strange for some people...
The Bottom Line: A definite great album for individuals fond of avante-garde artists with a flair of jazz AND rock. Interesting concept; well executed.
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| lambchops's Full Review: Tripod - Tripod Movies |
Quick—what are the four most prominent elements of a rock band.
I’ll give you some hints: one has strings, one has keys, one has sticks, and one doesn’t have anything.
TriPod, a unique rock band hailing from New York City, strips away both the guitars and keyboards and what remains are horns, vocals, percussion, and bass. Discovered at famous rock club CBGB’s in 1998 the trio soon found themselves recording a demo and subsequently publicized in a variety of rock and prog-rock publications. Years passed and in mid-2003 TriPod recorded their first “official” LP—simply self titled “TriPod.”
Trios are not rare in rock music—but the unusual arrangement of TriPod makes for some interesting sounds and contrasting elements. Clint Bahr’s off-kilter voice and 12-string bass are reminiscent of Les Claypool of Primus with a less abrasive tenor. But what really sets TriPod apart from the crowd is their infusion of jazz to creatively free not to mention adventurous rock. The horns (as played by Keith Garland) make for a challenging but enlightening listening experience. I must admit that I’ve never heard an album that blends sax, flute, and clarinet with rock so perfectly. Then again, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard anything of this sort in my life. Rounding out the line-up is newcomer Steve Romano on percussion.
It is clear that TriPod owes a debt of gratitude to bands like King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, and Jethro Tull. But with that said, it is important to note that nothing about TriPod is lacking in originality—this is a wholly new and completely unexpected independent gem that will appeal to fans of progressive/avant-garde rock and jazz alike. It’s been quite some time since I’ve heard something so abrasive but also outstandingly lovely at the same time.
At the same time that I find myself readily impressed by TriPod, I also must admit that their style won’t appeal to listeners of mainstream rock. Then again, I’m pretty sure that they don’t want to end selling out or on the level of a zillion soundalikes with zero desire and not a creative bone in their body. The fourteen songs on the band’s debut proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the band should be awarded the attention of listeners everywhere. To further prove their worthiness, TriPod also includes two studio improvisations--Smoke & Mirrors and Fuzz. Both are amazing examples of work from an adept jam band—and are just as lengthy as one would expect.
The first sounds that hit your ears upon popping the disc into the stereo are from Jerome’s Spotlight. A perfect place to start with the band, it is a frenetic and strange and brave song arranged in two distinct parts—all these characteristics work well in the context of the excellent melody and production (by Ron Allaire). Each song that follows builds nicely upon the groundwork laid out early on.
There are a number of high points and nothing is particularly troubling. Other songs including Trip The Light, As The Sun, No Diamond Cries, Prelude and Conversation Drag. But the moment at which I realized TriPod to be something truly special is with Dance of the Kabuki. The beginning is jarring but also catches and holds you attention, but none of that is necessary once the main part of the song begins. This is jazz-infusion rock at its most perfect. Thick, strange, and lovely the song is the best example of the band’s talent and appeal.
I’m completely impressed by TriPod and their debut. In this case to call the band weird is a compliment. The album caught me off guard and impressed me from the get go. It is definitely worth the effort of checking out and should be on jazz-rock wishlists everywhere. Just don’t try to pawn this thing off on fans of MTV’s version of rock—they will probably shut it off after the first note of the first song. TriPod’s music is detail-oriented and takes a great deal of attention to digest.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Jerome's Spotlight
02. Trip The Light
03. Dance of the Kabuki
04. Prelude
05. No Diamond Cries
06. East Flatbush
07. Buzz
08. Smoke & Mirrors
09. Conversation Drag
10. World of Surprise
11. Ghosts
12. Fashion
13. Fuzz
14. As the Sun
TriPod can be purchased at MoonJune.com (the record company responsible for releasing this album) and Amazon.com.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
lambchops
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 in Music |
 - Top 50 |
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Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
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