
East West Blast Test - Popular Music for Unpopular People [Ipecac - 2005]East West Blast Test’s second album: Popular music for unpopular people, brings together angery guitar work and a hardcore edge. Along with genre pick and mix that dips it’s toe in the waters of : off kilter easy listening, 80’s funk and a Resident's like take on World Music and lots of other bizarre stop off's along the way too. Kind of Blue and Black starts off the album in fine fashion with a chugging discordant riff which neatly leads into the xylophone chaos of The last Drop.Later on the xylophone appears again tacked to a surf tinged guitar that sails in to a carnival like vibe on The fathership invasion.Each track doesn’t last more than two minute length,which makes for a thrilling audio ride. One minute you’ll pondering the world music oddness of Passport to Papua.Next clicking your fingers along to the funked up surf air of Lithe, which is toped by raunchy female singing.All in 23 tracks in just over half an hour, which may seem a bit slim time wise. But they fit so many ideas in; it seems like twice the length. Certainly of interest for any fans of Naked city,Mr Bungle or Secret Chiefs 3- but very much having its own identity and surprises.
     Roger Batty
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