Stick Men +: Midori

Stick Men formed in 2007. The original lineup included King crimson members Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto as well as Michael Bernier, also on Stick. In 2010 Bernier left the band and was replaced by Markus Reuter who also has a number of solo albums to his credit. On April 10, 2015 the band played a series of concerts in Tokyo, Japan. Two of these concerts were recorded and form the two CD set titled Midori. Joining the threesome is King Crimson alumni David Cross adding his unmistakable violin textures.

Midori is a fabulous live album that has the band exploring a bit of Crimson as well as delving into sculptured soundscapes and improvisational pieces. All four members are integral to the band's powerful sound. Levin's deeply fuzzed bottom end and Mastelotto's always interesting stick work form an intense rhythm section. Reuter adds electronic soundscapes and moody touch guitars that vary from intense shards of discord to more melodic and fluidic voicings. "Gaudy" begins the set with a moody droning soundscape that becomes more intense as the music flows. It's a very abstract piece ably demonstrating the quartet's imaginative use of sounds. The improvised "Blacklight" is a groove heavy piece featuring Reuter's excellent touch guitar while "Moth" again has the band in improvised mode with its heavily fuzzed bottom end and wicked percussive effects. One of the highlights has to be the immersive "Shades of Starless", appearing on both discs and offering gorgeous guitar and violin as the tune builds ever so slowly eventually seeping into your consciousness. Other high points include the growling bass and guitar work in the heavy Arabian influenced "Sartori in Tangier" and the equally intense "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part 2".

Midori reveals what a great band Stick Men is. Moody textures and furious playing equal a fabulous listen for anyone who appreciates the eclectic side of progressive rock. A highly recommended release from Moonjune Recordings.

See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!

Track Listing:
Disk One
1. Opening Soundscape – Gaudy (10:36)
2. Improv – Blacklight (7:14)
3. Hide the Trees (8:54)
4. Improv – Moth (9:07)
5. Industry (12:35)
6. Cusp (4:48)
7. Shades of Starless (8:07)
8. The Talking Drum (4:52)
9. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part 2 (6:30)
Disk Two
1. Opening Soundscape – Cyan (5:20)
2. Improv: Midori (7:07)
3. Breathless (4:16)
4. Improv: Moon (4:42)
5. Sartori in Tangier (6:51)
6. Crack in the Sky (5:37)
7. Shades of Starless (7:18)
8. Firebird Suite (10:49)
9. The Talking Drum (5:52)
10. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part 2 (6:48)

Added: October 4th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Bandcamp Page
Hits: 2587
Language: english

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