Much to the dismay (or delight) of music fans around the world, the self-proclaimed Norwegian “burlesque progressive rock band” Procosmian Fannyfiddlers return with their 11th (!) album. Astonishing Tales of Cod and Plankton finds the band with a new member -- the lewdly named Cunt Basie on trombone -- and eight new songs of folky, swingy, jazzy and noisy prog, punk, rock and pop. If that sounds like a lot, it is. So much happens in these songs, which feature multiple male and female vocalists, violin, flute, accordion, trombone and enough quirkiness to make you reach for that dusty Dr. Demento album.
Here we have songs like “Lady Dung” (“When did she stop using the bathroom/in order to soil herself outdoors?”) and “Jaundice Sailor” (“Mooning people in a passing/cruise ship, such a sight/Going apeshit, rapidly/A lifetime spent at sea/Your anchor tattoo has shifted”). Other songs chronicle the life of a psychotic dentist obsessed with martial arts (“Dental Breakdown”), the asinine existence of reality-TV personalities (“Frill”) and incompetent men writing symphonies (“In Search of Competence”). Elsewhere, Procosmian Fannyfiddlers poke fun at the titles of giant songs from the prog (“Still … You Turn Me Off”) and metal (“Rimming the Ancient Mariner”) realms.
So, nothing serious to hear here -- except for the musicianship. Despite all the outside commotion, it is quite admirable.
Track Listing:
1. Dental Breakdown
2. Lady Dung
3. Rage for Boredom
4. Frill
5. Jaundice Sailor
6. In Search of Competence
7. Still … You Turn Me Off
8. Rimming the Ancient Mariner
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