Cosmic Farm -
This is as impressive and awe-inspiring as crop circles, but there’s an explanation. It is derived from the talents of Rob Wasswerman (6-string upright bass), Craig Erickson (guitars), T Lavitz (keyboards), and Jeff Sire (drums).
Maybe you haven’t heard of this Fantastic Four, but when it comes to free form jazz, this squad puts the power slam on Spiderman. Unlike a good number of bands that have one primary member, each one of these guys has the mutagenic gene to create good music. They’ve also harnessed and honed their abilities through much practice. With a little concentration, this team can rip out an alarming rate of rhythms and riffs. Basically, they each have all the necessary moves to carry out a coordinated attack. This album, in particular, is proof their efforts can result in a very successful mission.
Let’s take a look at what headlines surface from the actions of these superhero shredders:
Right off the bat, I approve of their first assignment. The codename they give it is “Steel Rider” and it has animalistic posture and methodically magnetic charm. It’s not necessarily mean and crazy, but it sure does howl. With each snarling solo to the next, you’ll be advised to keep back. It’s friendly as long as you stay behind the fence and keep your hands to yourself. However, there is a point where the guitars get a little too angry. When this happens, metal fallout is tossed everywhere.
The emotions change from track to track. You don’t need to go any further than the next song in order to encounter some extreme disparity. “Attitude Cat” prowls and purrs along with the prance of a feline. It jives in the Jamaican sense with a subtle hint of Rastafarian Reggae. All along the guitars hop like a rabbit, whip around the corners, and grind. They also mix in a little soul, jazz, blues, and even a few Indian elements. I’m not talking about the album as a whole, but just this one itty bitty track.
They continue to pummel us with pleasures. “Heavenly Love” is pure ecstasy in the vein of psychedelic blues. In this piece, the keyboards throw a party. The guitars come stag, but are quick to become the center of attention.
“Space Rooster” has a fun and bubbly personality. “The Fine Scenary,” on the other hand, is the most complicated
character yet. Like “Attitude Cat,” it takes us again through the calm
The cuts continue to waver from one side of the spectrum to the other. Each interlaces a plethora of ideas, proving to be quite the mixed bag. “Strange Train” is a wild ride while “Forecast” is an extensive and unpredictable jaunt. “Jupiter East” takes us on a short excursion out of this world. The conclusion, “Jupiter West,” quickly boomerangs us back. I felt these final pieces really jammed. It was probably due to their overexposure to radiant funk and jazz.
Like salt water taffy, these tunes come conveniently-wrapped and stick to their own agenda. This is candy you’ll pop one at a time and even after a handful, you’ll still want to try out each and every one.
8.5/10