By Jake Murray
Like a portal to another dimension, Master Musicians of Bukkake have returned once again from dormancy. Two years isn't really a long time, especially for a group so introverted and self-satisfying but after three years of annual full-length releases (the phenomenal Totem series), live albums and other various releases, it almost seems as though Master Musicians of Bukkake really did disappear. Or maybe that's what they wanted us to think?
Tearing into reality with a screeching, chaotic wail of noise Master Musicians of Bukkake have the listener alienated and on edge from the first second. 'WHITE MOUNTAIN RETURN' is a sharp comeback progressing directly from where the group left off in Totem 3. The track looms with an open-strummed guitar a-la 'Welcome to The Machine' by Pink Floyd and shines true to the groups other side-projects such as Grails (to whom there is a distinct similarity), exploring eastern and oriental patterns, scales, rhythms; the group explores the plains of consciousness they've held true from the beginning: visual imagery of the weird, open, acid coloured deserts and cloaked individuals looking spooky. The track served as an opening single for the record, and understandably so. It's the perfect welcome mat for those familiar with the the masters, coming back for more.
'γη-νομος _ GNOMI' is an American Indian séance, with stamping and wailing vocals. Dull bells and shakers rattle over crisp, defined guitar melodies and wah'd parts that strike home to the likes of Six Organs of Admittance. There's a huge science-fiction feel to the track, and much of the album, as Eno-eqsue stuttering synths conjure imagery of Flash Gordon fighting the evil empire of Merciless Ming. It's not the only moment in Far West that plays out like this either: The album's finest moment, 'CAVE OF LIGHT' is an operatic science-fiction melodrama, continuing the 70's-grainy glamour. The piece is dark and cinematic, with the familiar taste of Jason & The Argonauts or Clash of The Titans; it's giant and orchestral but other-wordly - a grand fitting for Greek mythological monsters and god. A must listen, along with following track ARCHE; an obvious choice for fans of Swans or GY!BE (only with less strings).
A real highlight in this record is the two songs concluding Far West, 'YOU ARE A DREAM LIKE YOUR DREAMER - THE DARK PEACE' and 'CIRCULAR RUINS'. The two tied together lyrically make for the final plunge into darkness and ascension. 'YOU ARE A DREAM…" is a huge, sullen organ + synth piece reminiscent of Wendy Carlos or Koyaanisqatsi by Phillip Glass: brooding and abrasive, yet melodic and engaging. Contrasting this is the album closer, which rises beautifully like a communal chant at the conclusion of a ceremony. Think about The Wicker Man, as the islanders celebrate with mirth as they burn Howie in ritual, how alien and unusual it is to observe yet so jubilant for the people of Summer Isles. Instrumental highlights are in the use of mellotron and saxophones, and as the choir chants "Dream dream / dream you dreamers of a child in those perfect forms / animated with fire". The music is processional and hymn-like, uplifting and enthralling; truly awe inspiring… much like the rest of the record.
Thus, we find the defining difference in Far West from Master Musicians of Bukkake's previous work: there's a delicacy and earthly presence that this alien 7-piece from Seattle never employed in such a way before. Now, the Totem trilogy always felt "Eastern" and placeable to an extent from various world influences, but never did they feel more human. The group have progressed on their break from taking the familiar weirdness and giving it something engaging, that anyone can enjoy to an extent (especially with the final piece). Far West is an incredible, difficult, beautiful record that alienates and engages. Never too recognisable, but always familiar it's just the right combination for an 'experimental' album of this breed. Far West also encapsulates the perfect amount of time to distract and absorb the listener without ever feeling long or exhausting, even though the average track length is around the 6-7 minutes mark. But that's exactly it: as a comparison, experiencing Far West is a little like visiting an ancient shrine, or standing atop a mountain at sunrise; wonderful, inspirational and totally emotionally gratifying.
