Pride, Mike: The Ensemble Is An Electronic Device

Avant-garde doesn't get more obscure or non-musical than this latest release from drummer/percussionist Mike Pride. As part of his Scene Fucker series of live concert improvisations (this one being #5), The Ensemble Is An Electronic Device is a gathering of musicians in New York, who got together and recorded this off-the-wall frenzy of free-jazz, avant-something, and for the most part squealing noise. Featuring Pride's often times frantic percussion, Aaron Ali Shaikh's squonking and dissonant sax, pedal steel guitar from Gerald Menke, Jessica Payone's viola, and electronics from Brian Moran, more often than not the results are quite harsh on the ears and on the opposite end of the spectrum from anything considered melodic. But, that's apparently the point, and as with much of the avant-garde music of this nature (this would be right at home on the ReR Megacorp label), there's a certain "underground" nature that is so raw and experimental that you have to take notice, even if you can't enjoy it. Basically one long track, at times what you will hear will try your patience, but if you can get through it all, there are actually some compelling jazz passages woven in amidst the cacaphony that are not to be missed. The Ensemble Is An Electronic Device certainly won't be for everyone, but if you have an ear for something off the beaten path, this might be a keeper.

Added: March 28th 2007
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Public Eyesore
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Language: english

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