| Rothko home |
The first hurdle is opening the damn CD case. The opening is protected by a bar-coded label, which also has the track listings. The first track 'Open' will be recognised by anyone who has graced their recent live forays. Until, that is, the voice of S.T. comes storming in over the top. This is so unexpected that many people will, I guess, think they've put on the wrong CD. Singing on a Rothko track? Unheard of, but works very well, and has you wondering what else is in store. 'Breatharian' is for me the best track on the album. We are lulled into thinking this is a purely back to basses, but then in the background the sublime flute played by Sarah Measures (The Monsoon Bassoon) floats on in. They strangely compliment each other - I could listen to this one all day. I still have my reservations about track four 'Sky Blue Glow'. It has the genius of Andy Diagram's trumpet, but I'm so used to the original track from the 'Storm Cycle' EP, that the trumpet seems to be too much in the foreground. Time will tell if this is one of those growers. 'To Us Become Sound' and 'Shock Of Self' sees us back on familiar ground. Just the three basses and a couple of recent live favourites. It sort of re-enforces the idea that just three basses can, and do, sound great just on their own. Track nine 'A Whole Life Of Memory' sees the return of Andy Diagram and his magical trumpet. (Easy now!) This time he plays in the background while the bass guitars play a very minimal tune in the foreground. It's like a kind of dream sequence, and you can imagine floating around without a care in the world. A great second album proper, and shows that Rothko are continually evolving and pushing the boundaries like no one else. Worth checking out whether you've heard them before or not. Watch out also for the next one out on Bella Union later in the year. More surprises in store, I can guarantee. Well fuck you Mogwai! skippy |