Search - Medeski Martin and Wood :: Radiolarians 1

"bursts of jubilant groove and raucous rhythm"

nonlinearize | the third coast, usa | 10/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"
This release is the first in a three-album series crafted as a reversal of the usual recording process: rather than record an album and then tour, the band developed these songs through a series of live shows before ever entering the studio. Previous albums, notably Uninvisible, have emerged from extended in-studio improvisation, but Radiolarians 1 seems to be a remarkably faithful distillation of MMW's approach to playing and improvising live.



Like many of their live performances, the album opens with the brooding, meandering ambience of exploratory invocation, the band extending their antennae and feeling around for musical currents. Emerging organically, the developing groove soon picks up and rides high for the remainder of the album, flowing and evolving through a variety of forms, all unmistakably solid, unfiltered MMW, with Wood's huge bass sound as the central engine.



This is not the dark and gritty, deftly produced, hip-hop infused MMW of earlier albums, however, but a jaunty excursion textured by the active energies of a traveling band. "Professor Nohair" seems to be a long form send-up to that rollicking New Orleans piano maestro, the late Professor Longhair. The other songs here are similarly well-developed, extended compositions, revealing MMW at full stride. The album is defined by bursts of jubilant groove and raucous rhythm interspersed among a number of tracks (3, 7, 9 and 10) that all share a post-jazz, vaguely middle-eastern melodic approach not unlike the material from Zaebos, their most recent previous release.



Considering the rigorous time limitations under which it was produced, Radiolarians 1 is an impressive effort, and a demonstration of the same consistently innovative quality for which the tireless trio is so revered. Shack on!

"

Some hot new jams

E. Williams | St Pete, FL | 10/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After End of the World Party, I was a little worried about MMW's studio CDs--everything was over-processed, very little experimentation or progression, just some new synthesizers. With this CD, I'm confident that they're back on the right track. MMW thrives on space--that's what makes them so exciting, you never no what might come next. This CD captures that space (on most tracks), and captures much of the energy of their live shows. Apparently the "skelleton" of each track was formed on the road during improvisation--then the group brought the bones into the studio to hash out the rest, hence the reference to Radiolarians (look it up).

First Light: the groove kicks in after about 2:30 and is a medium paced jam over a vamp. at 4:45 it changes into a new groove much like the intro to Latin Shuffle on Combustication. A great beginning track.



Cloud Wars is loud from the get go, a steady riff from Chris Wood on fuzzed-out bass, and swirling organ and clavinet from Medeski. Billy Martin plays it like John Bonham would. Fun and Rockin.



Muchas Gracias is like a theme song for an old Western, I can imagine someone treking through the desert to this. Very cool melody, this one was composed by Chris Wood. Definitely a highlight



Professor Nohair find the trio in acoustic format, playing some of that New Orleans boogie they do so well. Also a highlight, I've missed this kind of stuff from MMW of late.



Reliquary is not my favorite track. Reminds me of We are Rolling from the Dropper, but not quite as interesting. Plus I'm not a big fan of the wurlitzer, sounds like a dentist drilling my teeth.



Free Go Lily is awesome. Great blending of piano, organ, and clavi. The most cohesive track, and definitely funky. I love it.



Rolling Son is a dark track, i don't really like the melody but Billy's playing is cool, very cool rhythm.



Sweet Pea Dreams is another boogie track, reminds me of Let's Go on their recent kids' CD. Definitely a fun track, another highlight



God Fire sounds like music for Mario Bros. 1 in the castle levels before you fight Bowser, interspersed with some free jazz. Not a highlight for me.



Hidden Moon is track with a lot of potential, but they never go anywhere with it. Another dark atmospheric track, Medeski uses that oboe/bass clarinet synth for the melody. Would be a good track for a night time spy-mission.



Overall, if you're a big MMW fan like me it's a good one to own, but if you're unsure i'd just download the best tracks. They have definitely developed their sound (for better or worse), using different effects and techniques. As long as they stay motivated to keep creating, I'll stay happy as a fan."

Radiolarians

Anthony Hanley | seattle | 10/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have found this to be the best MMW album yet. I listen to MMW on the bus and let the images flow. MMW combines new elements to this cd which I have never experienced before. shifting ballads that rearrange the universe. particles of spaghetti westerns mixed in schizophrenic rhythms; entrenched in the aloneness that is the human experience. Irish crack infused mercenaries screaming ballads that will never be heard or understood again. Yes I loved this cd---the imagery is raw, the feelings intense, and the experimental edge always developing before your very eyes.

----Anthony hanley"