A's B's And EP's - Animals

Advantages: Touches your emotions
Disadvantages: None

...Citing influences ranging from the decidedly serious Martin Sheen to the asinine Chevy Chase to funkmaster Bootsy Collins, the Beta Band is a delight. This aptly titled compilation of three separately released EPs is sure to leave music fans scratching their collective head while trying to define this Scottish band's intricate aural hodgepodge. The Beta Band makes a very distinct and exciting impression. There's the unusual coupling of acoustic guitar, horn, sampled beats, and a catchy refrain on "Dry the Rain"; the hypnotic instrumental "B+A"; and "She's the One," which opens with a chaotic, hippyish drum circle that segues first to an anthemic chorus and then to a highly processed breakdown complete with a Jew's harp. The Three EPs will dominate the CD player, becoming somewhat of an obsession, with each listen revealing some brilliant... Read review

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Advantages: Great New Sound, Clever Timings, Maths Music
Disadvantages: Can Be Repetitive If Your Not In The Mood

...Battles are a great band from America comprising of : Drummer John Stanier formerly of Helmet and Mike Patton's Tomahawk Guitarist Ian Williams formerly of Don Caballero Guitarist Dave Konopka formlerly of Lynx And Tyondai Braxton who is a solo avant garde musician who adds keyboards, guitar , live vocal samples and plenty of effects As a band they come together brilliantly on this album (which is a collection of their 2 EP's that were released over the past 2 years) Standout tracks S2Z, Dance, TRAS show exactly what these boys can do, experimental rock at its best - kind of like tool without vocals in a way - lots of 5/4 7/4 and counter timings going on make this music for timing geeks! Fans of experimental music, tool, instrumental bands would love battles due to their energy, which is also transformed live into record perfect... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Melodic, Hummable
Disadvantages: None

...I love this album. It radiates smugness for English ppl and Anglophiles but, for welsh speakers like myself, it contains some very beautiful. Also, the Mwng Bach (Small Mane) Ep is a very welcome addition. Although, in Calimero, english speakers please be aware you are singing 'Calimero why are you wearing an egg on your head' and the distorion vocals at the end sing 'My name is Joe'. But for the record, this is a brilliant record of the same standards as 'Velvet Underground and Nico' and 'Good Vibrations'. Go buy!!!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful