Interpol
Antics
[Matador]

by K. Vicious

The grim portents and cold depths of darkness present in Interpol’s songs cannot be easily shaken or chased away. The band’s captivating debut "Turn On the Bright Light"s (2002) has already established a convincing template for their sound, an identity for their dissipated romanticism. "Antics" follows suit with more of their sophisticated noir and singer Paul Banks’ caption lyrics. Whereas Turn On the Bright Lights sounds mired in a thousand ambiguities, the new songs fluctuate in a more candid swoon.

The band dribbles about in various chameleonic pop poses: the New Order disco rhythms on 'Not Even Jail', the Pixies infatuation on 'Evil', the laminated lust of 'NARC' and 'Length of Love'. But these guys know how to shake it right. Interpol is really not much different from their touring mates the Secret Machines in this respect, as in both bands are underling to their respective sonic lineages.

The songs on "Antics" still basically go through the wheels of spectral gloom the band so carefully cultivates, and there are the odd surprises like when the single “Slow Hands” comes along, spangled with biting guitars. And on the whole, the band’s proclaimed new strategy (a leaner sound, more concise songwriting) works just fine, though some of us may be disappointed that their crisp pleasures are so heavily rationed. Indeed, this may well be an Interpol of a different stock on "Antics", but you can bet most listeners would barely notice the differences.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra
The Ultimate Collection
[Surf Dog]

by airhole

This cat needs no introduction (after all his band says it all). Mr Setzer has been fusing jazz, swing, blues, rock and rockabilly ever since his stint with The Stray Cats. Armed with his signature Gretsch hollowbody and a Fender tube amp, he carves a signature tone and style for himself.

Fronting a 17-piece big band, Brian Setzer sets the new standard for swing music. This is what a modern Count Basie Orchestra with an electric guitarist would sound like. Tight rhythm section, even tighter horn section, and a front man who knows how to work up the crowd with his crooning and showmanship.

The Ultimate Collection is not a collection of his greatest hits. Better yet, it is a 2 CD recording from 2 different live sets, one in Montreal, Canada and the other in Tokyo, Japan. It is his best hits live with no overdubs.

On the first disc, the Orchestra starts their set with the James Bond theme. One can tell that the audience did not expect it at all. Hoodoo Voodoo Doll follows this song from the Guitar Slinger album. As the program progresses, the energy level of this live set just becomes very evident. When Setzer gets to 'Rumble In Brighton', he is absolutely on fire, he just goes wild on the guitar and the band urges him on. His take on jazz standards has twists as well. On 'Route 66', he cheekily trails to the end of the song, inciting the audience to participate with him.

On the 2nd disc, the live set in Japan is pretty much amazing as well. The same feel yet a different sort of excitement. The orchestra introduces 80's favourite TV theme song, 'Hawaii Five-O'. And then the band just rips through the setlist consisting of numbers from the albums, "The Dirty Boogie" and "Vavoom!”

Rockabilly favourites like 'Mystery Train' and 'Rock This Town' appear in the Japanese show more apparently. Setzer's tribute song to Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran, 'Gene and Eddie', is perhaps the most interesting song in the set. Brian creates a song with signature Cochran and Vincent licks, creating a change in mood and style, yet it all just seems Setzer.

This live album offers clarity and energy. It also offers an excitement hardly found in live albums of the day. If there is one album you need to get your mojo working, this might be it. If retro is in, these guys caused it.

The album is highly recommended for fans of swing, blues, jazz, rockabilly and rock and roll.

Roland Dyens
Night and Day
[GHA]

by airhole

Wait a minute, isn't Roland Dyens a classical musician? What the heck is Aging Youth turning into?

Roland Dyens is indeed a classical musician/guitarist/composer. He hails from France and was scheduled to reach the shores of Singapore 6 months ago. Alas his show was cancelled last minute.

Heard of solo jazz guitar? Names like Martin Taylor and Joe Pass turn up, as they are the leaders in this genre. Roland Dyens, a master virtuoso classical guitarist, takes on jazz with his ideas in classical arrangement. With jazz standards like 'Misty', 'Bluesette' and 'Take The A Train', one can hardly understand what a classically trained guitarist could contribute that had not already been done by any one of the jazz greats. Perhaps more Nylon strings and an arrangement that can only be thought out on paper? The subtle nuances that Dyens deliver on his classical guitar are more than impressive.

Kudos to the recording engineer, who is able to capture the sound of even his nail scrapping on the lower guitar strings. The term "dynamics in playing" can be best exhibited in this recording. This is a recording of standard jazz tunes on a classical guitar with a subtly thought-out arrangement by an excellent composer of classical music. Sort of a Jacque Loussier interpretation.

If you like jazz solo guitar or jazz instrumentals, this might be your cup of tea. What this album lacks would be the sense of excitement that improvisation may achieve. Highly recommended after Martin Taylor and Lenny Breau.