Album Review
Node in Peril is both stellar jamming and design galore. A collaboration between space rockers Quarkspace and comic book artist Matt Howarth, this album is candy for the eyes and ears. Howarth's 14-page (booklet-size) comic book lacks a bit of development, but it still offers much to feast on and a stimulating environment for the group's music, a natural choice to fill in the void of the "underspace," the realm humans use to travel far distances, where only organic technology can be used. The album has been pieced from overdubbed improvisations (including "Reality Resumed (All Stars Shine)," the fifth "Star" improv recorded at the same time as the four other ones appearing on Spacefolds 7) and pieces composed specifically for this project. The contrast between Stan Lyon's obsessive acid guitar licks and Jay Swanson's mellow piano playing is what defines this particular album. Of course, there is a generous helping of synthesizer swirls, graceful basslines and inspired drumming (Paul Williams is constantly refining his technique; this time around he uses a light, bouncing touch reminiscent of Bill Bruford), but the best moments of the set are found when piano and guitar tug the fabric of the music in different directions. Highlights include "Underspace," the protomorphic epic "Lucid Rust" and the single-sized "The Misinformed Eco-Terrorist." Node in Peril is an all-instrumental album and, as such, it may disappoint a few fans, especially following the very socially conscious album Drop. But that's nitpicking and nothing more. This quartet can pull off an hour's worth of quality wordless tripping any day of the week. Recommended. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide
