The Bottom Half
SCI-Fidelity
Umphrey’s McGee unveils some of its strongest studio work to date on this
follow-up to the thematically linked Safety In Numbers. Take “Higgins,” during
which it mirrors increasingly pointed lyrics with a bold move from layered Jeff
Coffin sax and gliding island rhythms to classic, go-for-broke, twin McGee
guitar mayhem. Karl Engelmann’s “Bright Lights, Big City” may be the
strongest pop track ever to come out of the jam genre, with its Peter
Gabrielesque synth-swagger, Brian Abraham e-drum augmented taut
rhythms and headphone-friendly loping bass. Jake Cinninger seems to be
invoking feng shui theory in the search for serenity that is “Red Room.” Josh
Redman’s sax work is more prevalent on “Intentions Clear” than on the SIN
version—and this track benefits greatly from Brendan Bayliss’ rousing vocals
as do the hopeful lead, title track and the disc-concluding acoustic reading
of the somber “Divisions.”We are introduced to a Browning Family during the
front of the space fusion-laced “Atmosfarag.” The aw-shucks, fun-lovers pop
up again a few times during the audio montage that is disc two.Windows into
band interaction (these guys clearly take their music seriously, not themselves)
mingle with alternate (many incomplete) takes the best of which are
“Believe the Lie” with Chet Atkins-informed guitar and vocal tracks featuring
tight, three-part harmony. Rob Turner
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
