BabySue review
Friday, January 14th, 2005Morex Optimo – Beast of Reflection (CD, Broken Hill Music, Progressive pop/rock)
This is a case where the name most definitely fits the band. Imagine mixing Henry Cow and John Vanderslice with David Bowie and Captain Beefheart (?!?)…and you might begin to have a slight idea of what the band Morex Optimo sounds like. Art rockers in the coolest sense of the word, these folks are playing music that truly does not sound like anyone else out there. Many bands could make the claim that their music is unique and different…but how many of those bands actually record music that is credible…? Songs are what make the difference…and there are plenty of absolutely killer tunes to be found on Beast of Reflection. The folks in this band use jagged arrangements and peculiar instrumental phrasings to flesh out their songs. The vocals are slightly subdued and indifferent…yet they fit the music perfectly (the doubled-tracked vocals work wonderfully). Some musical segments are sparse and nervous…while others are rather thick, dark, and intense. Obtuse and peculiar…this is an album for thinking listeners. Cool and curious cuts include “Burkina Faso,” “The Exactly Commensurate Abattoir,” “Kosmonaut,” “Exhaust,” and “Wild Over.” Great stuff. (Rating: 5+)
