Time Of Orchids — Namesake Caution

Earlier albums by Time Of Orchids albums had more or less famous names attached to them, like Julee Cruise, Marilyn Crispell and Kate Pierson (B-52s). The previous album came out on John Zorn's Tzadik imprint. None of these names say much about what's in store for Namesake Caution.

On the other hand, one could argue they do. The mix is so full of points of reference, Julee Cruise's dark Angelo Badalamenti atmosphere is definitely there, for instance. As there is a dash of the hystery from the B-52s. To connect any 'weirdness' to John Zorn would be a bit too easy though. The only Tzadik artist I could see somewhat alike would be Kayo Dot. But on Namesake Caution the quartet from NYC stands on its own, without special guests. Their music is strange mix of complex, proggy compositions and indie sensibilities. The sound of the vocals seems to have elements ranging from Beach Boys to Shudder To Think, but are harmonically dissonant and confusing. The instrumental approach doesn't help keeping you grounded in that drowsiness, as it often ventures into complexity and unconventionality.

Take Windswept Spectacle: it's very slow and the layers of vocals seem to move about randomly, hovering over the dragging, heavy guitars like some nightmareish dark cloud. The following track Darling Abandon continues somewhat on the same feeling, but slightly more conventional. But then it creates this massive sound while using a glockenspiel. Parade Of Seasons is more edgier for its more powerful but complex rhythmic structure, which takes 'math'-like proportions. The vocals continue to float over all that quite dreamy and soft. Then there's also a somewhat peculiar choice of rather cheesy synthesizersounds.

This isn't an easy album. The almost constant dissonance could be explained as 'mysterious' but also as 'far-fetched'. Repeated playing doesn't really help making it consonant. It's still interesting enough because it's an original sound that's well executed, but it's not really grabbing me by the ears just yet. Although an intrigueing listen it's just slightly problematic to surrender to it.