As a duo of drummer Marshall Trammell and guitarist/electronic specialist Zachary James Watkins, Black Spirituals work with unconventional arrangements. The immediate reference point I thought of, Lightening Bolt, is anything but appropriate as far as music goes. While that duo's sound was based upon rapid-fire freak-outs and spastic thrashing, Trammell and James are more deliberate, methodical, and disciplined, but no less thrilling or engaging.
The opening moments of the 20 minute "Radiant" at first resemble nothing but an unplugged guitar cable, but that telltale buzz is soon shaped and molded into an ever expanding electronic burst.Trammell’s taut drumming slides in, locking into a funk-laden groove backed by electronic noise and propelled by a deep, rhythmic pulse.Eventually the drums relent to a wall of shrill electronics, pulling back to just a kick drum and skittering cymbals.
Watkins' wall of noise envelops everything and dominates the mix, all consuming but not at all harsh or unpleasant.The electronics are soon supplanted by what sounds to be a beautifully over-driven guitar, resulting in a rapid but structured duet that rivals the best of any free jazz record.The drums fade away toward the end, the guitar does not, ending the first half of the record on a nicely noisy note.
On "Black," a guitar amp drone is quickly blended with a melodic bit of guitar, comprising much of a lengthy free-form opening.Percussion is slowly introduced; first stuttering and tentative until launching full bore into frightening complexity.Even with their harsh approach, the guitar and electronics keep a distinct melodic flow going, while the drumming sounds as if it is teetering on the precipice of unadulterated chaos and destruction.
The shorter, final composition, "Body," is comparably a more loose and relaxed work.Erratic electronics and percussion swell up and then drop back into silence.The constantly shifting dynamics and jazz improvisations use the silence to excellent effect, reinforcing the impact and heaviness when the two are making their brilliant racket.
Black Spiritual's skeletal arrangements make for Of Deconstruction's greatest assets.With many of these pieces stripped down to just drums, electronics, and sometimes guitar, Watkins and Trammell's exceptional proficiency their respective instruments is showcased perfectly.Signifiers such as jazz and noise may be applicable, but in reality the duo’s work defies categorization and stands out as truly unique, a rarity these days.
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