The second release from this Kawabata Makoto-less Acid Mothers splinter group consists of three fairly similar instrumental blues tracks. While not a huge departure from their last album, here the band comes across as more focused and succinct in their songwriting.

 

Fractal

Each of the tracks embodies a different aspect of the mountain wolf of the title. The first, "Ramble," wouldn't sound out of place coming from the open door of a northern Mississippi juke joint just as the sun begins to rise over the horizon. It's an enjoyable if unexceptional song. "Anger" is the one most reminiscent of the main Acid Mothers group with its bewildering guitar sprawling all over the place, sometimes erupting into squalls of feedback. The third track favors the drums in its mix while the rhythm guitar shimmers in the background and the lead calmly skirts the edges. The blues this trio plays is mostly reverent and, apart from an occasional wailing guitar, doesn't add a whole lot new to this established genre. Still, the songs are pleasurable enough and at just under 20 minutes' running time, they don't overstay their welcome.


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