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Tribal Tech
Rocket Science (2000)
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 Rank: 2 guitars out of 5 Didn't enjoy it |
| Reviewer: lach (96) |
Consisting of Gary Willis (bass), Scott Kinsey (keys), Kirk Covington (Drums) and Scott Henderson on guitar. This is Tribal Tech's 10th album (!!) and it sounds like they've got a bit sick of playing normal tunes and decided to record a bunch of jams. The album is very different, nothing like the Liquid Tension Experiment CDs at all, in that the songs aren't really structured as much. There's no real distinct repeatable melodies, but lots of cool solo's and playing. All of the players are (of course) phenominal - but they don't get too carried away and shred the whole time, which is a bit of a blessed relief. Instead, it sounds to me like they've concentrated on getting some great "feels" down onto tape. It also sounds like they've just sat down for an hour, chosen a bunch of crazy grooves and just gone for it! You can't help but think that they're just having fun, and laughing all the time. A lot of the music is pretty crazy - but I don't think it's meant to be taken seriously at all. The title track "Rocket Science" collapses into complete chaos at about 7 minutes in and then just finishes. Opening track "Saturn 5" (yes they all have ridiculous names) is nice upbeat tune. Willis's funky bass playing comes through and shows what a true master he really is. Henderson is the master of the tremolo bar, I think he must have had the thing glued to his hand. Hardly any note is played without some use of the tremolo - whether he's sliding into notes (very common), using it for vibrato, or bending out of notes. Track 9 "Cap'n Kirk" is a great example of modern jazz style that I really can't stand. It's the only track with a real melody to speak of, and it's one of those atonal, impossible to enjoy tunes. Fortunately it's the only track on this album like this. Personally I would have enjoyed a slightly more focused CD, with the concentration of songwriting being at the forefront. (However I have no doubt that a lot of their other albums are like that.) Anyway, Rocket Science is a bunch of a great jams, with a couple of cool solos and very funky playing. If you're going to buy it, listen to the first minute of the first track beforehand. If you like what you hear, you'll enjoy the rest! My ranking: 2 - Didn't enjoy it |
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