Search - Caspar Brötzmann :: Mute Massaker

A Firestorm of Guitar

Ted DeBray | Port Townsend, WA United States | 10/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan for a few years, and this is in my opinion his best work yet. The Hendrix comparisons are definitely still warranted, but there's more at work here now. Brotzmann has done three things which really are effective. First, he's developed a more tuneful (if not "melodic") approach which brings to mind Richard Thompson in places as well as Hendrix. Second, he's now working with a drummer who departs from the Swans-style dirge-tempo that seemed to never vary on the older releases, and in fact there's some very good drumming here. Third, NO VOCALS, a big plus. There's only guitar, bass (albeit mixed low) and drums/cymbals on this CD. Stunning and varied compositions...though Brotzmann ranks with Justin Broadrick (Godflesh) in his guitar-as-destructive-device approach, this flows and grooves and evokes even when it's "noise." Put it on for your next nighttime desert drive."