Buy this CD right now!
by rcjones
Buy Bug's debut CD right now. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. This album is phenomenal. Some highlights:
The opening track, 'Brine', starts out with an eerie, syncopated, two-note ostinato minor third--performed with timepiece precision by upright bassist Roger Shew--that immediately draws you in. Almost imperceptibly, he's joined by Brian Hamada on drums. This is followed by a tight guitar/sax single-note melody played in unisons and harmonies. The hypnotic alternating 7/4 - 5/4 block-chord bedrock laid down by keyboardist James Miley makes room for the angular melodies and burning solo by saxophonist Peter Epstein.
The next track, 'The Dude Abides, Part I' (a titular 'Big Lebowski' reference) envelopes you in a haunting, ominous theme that recalls the glory days of Tribal Tech. Somewhere in the middle of the tune ('somewhere' meaning at 1:27) guitarist Jeff Miley and the band blaze into a free-form shredfest that'll exquisitely wake the dead (or wake the exquisite dead) if you crank the volume enough. The only thing that would make this tune any better would be to witness The Dude's landlord doing an interpretive dance to it.
'Murmur', the title track, is a dark and beautiful Super-Locrian lovefest. The Miley brothers really shine on this one. Metheny/Mays have nothing on these two. Listen carefully and you might catch keyboardist Miley's nod to Ornette Coleman's 'Broadway Blues'.
'Inflatable You' is a burning, modern, all-out straight ahead swing tune. I'd swear Epstein was channeling Brecker's ghost (if I believed in that crap). Amazing tone, technical facility, note choice, fluidity. One of the best and freshest sax solos you'll hear on record all year. It made me want to get up and dance (and I hate dancing). As if that wasn't enough, Miley's inspired (and inspiring) guitar solo comes off like a cross between Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny, and well...Jeff Miley. And Brian Hamada shines for a brief but memorable solo interlude.
'Bjorn Borg' and 'Don't be Difficult' are magnificent. Again, remember the glory days of Tribal Tech with albums like 'Spears', 'Nomad' and 'Tribal Tech' (the latter perhaps my personal favorite)? I think guitarist Miley shows that it might be his personal favorite as well, as he picks up where pre-lame Scott Henderson left off, but takes it further. Killer tone, fluid Holdsworthesque lines, and technical brilliance. 'Don't be Difficult' delivers some beautiful Breckeresque melodies and harmonies. And once again, Epstein plays the hell out of that horn. Remember a minute ago when I wrote that Epstein's solo on 'Inflatable You' was one of the most memorable sax solos you'll hear all year? Well, this one's second. Or maybe first. I can't tell anymore 'cause they're both so damn good! And hell, Miley cooks with more killer tone and frictionless Holdsworthian rippage.
This CD kicks arse. The compositions are top-notch. These guys--the Miley Brothers--demonstrate incredible composition skills. Take the story telling sensibilities and brilliant technical film-making skills of the Coen brothers, cross those with the sophistication and creativity of the Brecker Brothers, pollinate with Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, and Scott Henderon (and their brothers), and you'll get a sense of where these two brothers are coming from. Buy this CD right now and every record these guys come out with from now on. You won't be disappointed.
Remember, 'Murmur' spelled backwards is 'Rumrum'. 'Nuff said!
