Its been a few years since Khuda's released Iecava, which illustrated the continuing growth of their intriguing experimental and instrumental post-rock sound. The band consists of Tom Brooke on guitar and Steve Myles on drums; that's it, two guys. I'm constantly impressed by the dynamic and powerful sound I've heard created by two-piece rock bands lately! (See Forest of Tygers) Sure you can layer and sequence, but it still comes down to two people playing. Brooke and Myles have the musical end of this figured out on the band's third full-length album, perplexingly entitled Molasses Constricts The Clinostat. Molasses is six rocking tracks that venture into some deeply engaging often experimental musical territory.
The album begins with an off-kilter drum beat and the driving strum!strum!strum! of guitar on the song 'Balduinius 1491'. The track blends in another layer of pulsating guitar and the track develops a slight Primus vibe with the start and stop of music and the deep bass tones. Khuda write some gripping 'experimental' passages and possess the high level of musicianship required to execute them. Throughout 'Molasses' Myles' drumming is snappy and innovative, adding extra hits and action where necessary to propel the songs forward. Tracks like 'Beside Form, Beside Shape' and 'Madzag (I Blunder)' made me wonder if Myles has three or maybe four arms.
Next up is 'Phi Am' which initially bounces between heavy riffing guitar to shrill tones laced with a barrage of cymbals and stabbing snare pops. The track slows down midway briefly only to relaunch with a melodic and vigorous venom. The album is clearly about drums and guitar but there is plenty of subtle atmospherics blended into the mix as well which give the music depth and substance. The duo extend a track beyond 5m with 'Beside Form, Beside Shape' which pushes into the 7 minute area. The track begins with some heavy chugging guitar goodness which is revisited throughout the song in various intensities. The track becomes somewhat plodding in the middle but ends with dazzling flurries from both musicians.
The album ends with the 12 minute gem 'Onward Planarian'. The track opens with the gentle soothing jangle of guitar and some slowly paced jerky drums. The intro melody is quite striking and it lifts in tempo after 1:30 with the guitar becoming slightly more aggressive in tone. The duo then interweave instrumental magic with the song giving both musicians a framework to shine in. 'Onward Planarian' worms its way through many stunning musical passages and ultimately ends with lofty and optimistic tones. The longer wanders into the experimental stew may be too daunting for some listeners but the duo clearly empty their musical tank and consistently bring a high level of quality rock track after track.
With only six songs Molasses Constricts The Clinostat leaves you with a remarkable amount of content to digest. Khuda have created another formidable entry into their discography. The duo forge music which often seems super human for two people to create. The blend of frantic and uniquely creative drum patterns fuse with guitar tones that are both powerful and subtle throughout this inventive instrumental achievement. If you enjoy instrumental, post- or experimental rock then I highly recommend you check out Molasses Constricts The Clinostat.
What is a Clinostat?
