Who says
instrumental music is boring? I know there are many out there that simply skip a
band if they don't have a vocalist, but, if you do this, you'll miss some truly
fantastic music. Take this new album from The Fierce & the Dead, "Spooky
Action". It is completely unique, eclectic, and jammed with personality. It's
the very definition of enjoyable.
The band
certainly leans towards the math rock label, though that doesn't cover it even
close to completely. The music, however, is full of sharp, sudden changes, and
the fast pace of the music makes all of this seem so breath-taking. It's a
roller coaster ride of music in every conceivable way. The music is very bass
driven, as Kevin Feazey on bass is one of the highlights of the album. Loud and
technical, the bass is the very foundation of the album. Add in Matt Stevens and
Steve Cleaton on some very diverse guitars, and you know you are in for some
funky interplay between instruments. Stuart Marshall adds oomph to all of this
with his goosebump-inducing performance.
"Spooky
Action", then, is technically proficient, but the personality is what really
sets this album apart from the rest. Part of it comes from the guest musicians
on brass and cello, but the rest comes from superior, playful writing. This is
not a dark album. It is hefty, but light-hearted, fun, and delightful. The
instrumental interplay is one point of wonder, as no one instrument overshadows
the others. Like a well-oiled machine, The Fierce & the Dead pound and jam away
with a perfection of unity. They can switch from folksy to metallic to rockin'
all in the blink of an eye.
So, then,
"Spooky Action" is the intersection of hand clappin', foot stompin', and head
bangin'. It's not only a treat musically, but it's also a head-scratching good
time because it is so complex, but so, well, fun. Skilled musicians alone could
not have made this album. "Spooky Action" was written by true artists.
