Eric Idle was on the Daily Show last week and he said something thatstuck with me: "Everybody from Leicester is a bit weird." Of course hewas saying this in reference to his dear friend, the late GrahamChapman, but it can probably easily be applied to Volcano the Bear (andmost likely a number of people from Leicester), as their music is,well, a bit weird. In addition, Vocano the Bear's music is also (notunlike Mr. Chapman) both very charming and witty. Fellow bear, DanielPadden's first solo release actually doesn't come without the help ofother Volcano members and additional friends. As weird as theinstrumentation can get—with kazoos, ballophon, and otherunidentifiable sounds—the music on this disc is stunningly pleasant.Padden's solo debut is a very closely knit aural tapestry of dreamlikeproportions, with off-the-cuff sung vocal tracks, string pieces, andpiano tinklings. While it's still heavily-rooted in experimental andimprovisational music, these are all songs with well-craftedstructures, often with a loop (piano, clarinet, percussion) beginningthe song, and an exceptionally played instrument taking the lead.Whether it's the drone from an accordion-ish sounding instrument on"Scratch Apparatus," the pretty vocals on "Fledgling," or a twistedcalliope-like circus sounds of "Spiders on Ice," not one song on heresounds like a failed attempt at composition. With a growing number ofimprovisational musicians and groups popping up, occasionally gainingmore attention than deserved, it's an extra special treat to havesomebody around who can still write a coherent song and piece togethera well thought-out album. More solo and side projects from the Bearsare due later on this year and I'll be anxious to hear them all. Read More
