The Winnipeg outfit known as Mahogany Frog are back with their fifth release of avant-jazz/prog mayhem titled DO5, a sometimes loud and chaotic, and other times atmospheric & jazzy affair that will thrill lovers of intense instrumental music. At times reminiscent of early Soft Machine, mixed with a healthy dose of Jack Johnson era Miles Davis as well as Djam Karet, making for a truly exciting listen. Expect plenty of explosive & jagged guitar riffs, wild Moog and organ excursions, rumbling, fuzz drenched bass, trumpets, and crashing drum work. On the epic 11+ minute "T-Tigers & Toasters" the band is at their most savage, waves of guitar feedback ondulating over pounding rhythms, exploratory synths, gentle piano,and spacey electronics. This segues right into the keyboard drenched "Last Stand At Fisher Farm", at times sounding like a early 70's Mike Ratledge organ/Fender Rhodes workout, trumpets blaring and plenty of tube-driven power. Tricky drum licks from J.P. Perron and Scott Ellenberger's distorted bass lines permeate the fusion laced "You're Meshugah!", while "I Am Not Your Sugar" is beefy, venemous heavy instrumental rock, fuzz-toned guitar riffs and bulbuous bass crashing all through the mix like runaway trains. You have to hand it to Graham Epp & Jessie Warkentin here, whose collection of vintage keyboards, guitars, and tube amps create one hell of a huge wall of sound. The spacey "Demon Jigging Spoon" is majestic prog with great guitar melodies, while "Medicine Missile" could easily be confused for a late 60's/early 70's psychedelic acid trip soundtrack, complete with effects laden guitar solos and trippy rhythms. Atmospheric prog and 60's styled fusion collide on the lovely "Lady Xoc & Shield Jaguar", a real treat with plenty of spooky keyboard textures and sinewy guitar lines, and "Loveset" finishes the CD off in almost Tangerine Dream styled grandeur, with a little dollop of jazzy trumpet melodies thrown in for good measure.
It's often chaotic, noisy, and bombastic, but that's what makes DO5 so damn cool. Mahogany Frog might have just created their most enjoyable and intense release here, a feast for those into vintage sounds that don't necessarily need lots of melody to go along with it.
Track Listing
1 G.M.F.T.P.O.
2 T-Tigers & Toasters
3 Last Stand At Fisher Farm
4 You're Meshugah!
5 I Am Not Your Sugar
6 Demon Jigging Spoon
7 Medicine Missile
8 Lady Xoc & Shield Jaguar
9 Loveset
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