eMusic Review 0
Although Argue has made live performances of his so-called "steampunk bigband" available on his website during much of the four years of its existence, Infernal Machines, the 18-piece group's proper debut, is more coalesced, muscular and purposeful than those concerts — without sacrificing their idiom-splicing splendor. Critics are raving because the innovations are organic and synthesized rather than slapdash. I hear nods to the smooth textural vamps and odd time signatures of Steve Reich, the dynamism and harmonies of Gil Evans, the flowing lyricism of Maria Schneider, the gusty, cavernous blowouts of Christian Scott, the shamble of Tortoise and the jazz-rock of Charlie Hunter.
Or not. When there are that many citations (and other reviewers have their own comparisons), it becomes clear that most of Argue's ideas are homespun. The Vancouver native (who conducts but doesn't play) can be as straightforward as "Transit," which could be a John Williams soundtrack seasoned with ganja. Or he can take you on a spacey night flight with moments of turbulence via "Redeye," or put the trombones on full blast for "Zeno." The lead track, "Phobos," opens with a breathy, didgeridoo-like effect and with a percussive instrument known as… read more »
