Stick Men is a project that needs no presentation, a trio of high-level musicians with an eclectic style that offers technical tracks enriched by virtuosity. 6 years after their last release on April 01, 2022 they released “Tentacles” a 5-track EP via Moonjune Records. The disc opens with the title track “Tentacles” an energetic track, with a solid rhythmic session with powerful drumming and deep and load-bearing bass lines. Enriched with tempo changes and solo phrasing, it presents a blend of traditional and modern sounds giving life to a very intense and elaborate piece. The trio technique as well as the understanding between the artists is enhanced by refined and engaging passages between valuable virtuosity. the track ends with a section with atmospheric and dilated sounds. The following “Ringtone” begins with an interweaving of arpeggios and a modern sounding drumming, creating enveloping melodies. In this branch the union of modern sounds with traditional ones is even more valued, with forays into experimentation and electronics, always with that very technical and refined Prog look. The trio explores new musical territories, creating a unique and hypnotic sound, enhanced by the solo parts. The longest track on the “Company of Ghosts” album opens with very intricate rhythm and equally elaborate deep bass lines. The touch guitar solo inserts are very intense, and between continuous changes of tempo and intensity the track flows pleasantly, developing the central theme with refinement. The second part of the song is characterized by more atmospheric sounds with dilated sounds enriched by soundscapes. “Danger in the Workplace” combines harsh sounds and effects that create iserts as sharp as blades and with electronic features. The rhythmic session is powerful and intricate and the atmosphere of the piece darker than the previous ones, always developed with technical and virtuous intertwining. In the central part the tempo changes are continuous, passing from more melodic openings to rapid accelerations that increase the intensity and process the sound. A powerful and complex track that enhances all the compositional and executive techniques of the trio. The EP ends with “Satieday Night” which begins with a deep, dark bass and touch guitar solo textures, while the drumming is more minimal in the first part. In the middle of the song, the intensity increases and the track becomes heavier, then returns to softer tones and concludes with a prolonged touch guitar solo. Stick Men confirms itself as a very interesting and original project, skilled in exploring refined sounds, where experimentation is at the center of the project. the trio’s technique is enhanced by the long instrumental textures proposed in the 5 songs, with elaborate duets between bass and touch guitar and an intricate drumming rich in tempo changes. Another excellent chapter of the band’s discography, confirming how the three artists involved are among the best on the world music scene.
Tracklist
01. Tentacles (6:39)
02. Ringtone (5:57)
03. Company of Ghosts (6:50)
04. Danger in the Workplace (5:32)
05. Satieday Night (4:57)
Lineup
Tony Levin / Chapman Stick, Touch Guitars U10, vocoder
Pat Mastelotto / acoustic & electronic drums, percussion
Markus Reuter / Touch Guitars AU8, soundscapes
[…] [REVIEW] […]