The quasi-anonymous Cerberus Shoal seems to be one of the most prolific and diversified bands that I've encountered. This Portland, Maine collective — and the constantly evolving lineup of the band merits that term — seems to have mastered a new style with each release. With 1999's "homb" cd on Temporary Residence, Cerberus Shoal delivered their exemplary thesis on dark, ambient rock. The dynamics and instrumentation, combined with minimal but rythmic percussion, fused together to make one of the most beautiful and original releases of recent years.
Later that year, the Shoal (as bandmembers are known to refer to band) released "Crash My Moon Yacht" on the small label North East Indie. A perfect companion to "homb," this album marked the maturity of the band and created a stiro of anticipation for their next release. "Garden Fly, Drip Eye" is that release. Gone is the ambient droning, flowing percussion and Can-influenced atmosphere. Instead we have a more aggressive Cerberus Shoal, with very imposing vocals sung simultaneously by all six band members, further solidifying their collective status. Bursts of homemade instruments, childrens toys, and bombastic drumming bring to mind June of 44 if perhaps they had given up their prefered themes of travel in favor of surrealist love poems and an abandoned playground. "Garden Eye, Drip Fly" is not the record I was expecting from this album, but I wasn't surprised to hear it either. The band seems to be driving forward across sonic territory, experimenting with new sounds and styles and stretching the artistic and musical capabilities of each member to the max. Cerberus Shoal presents challenging music, music that is rewarding and strikingly creative, redefining itself constantly and refusing to stagnate.
 
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