U Totem

Their self-titled album is one of my absolute favorite favorite favorite avant-prog records ever. In the history of ever.

Seriously, I love this disc. It's hard to come up with a description of it, but think Henry Cow's Western Culture, only a little less dark, with a wider timbral range (lots of reeds and winds), and some beautiful female vocals. The first song in particular is amazing - a 15-minute tour de force with some really nifty sections where three different vocalists sing texts in three different languages simultaneously, in counterpoint. Sounds ridiculous but it is pulled off perfectly.

Also, Dave Kerman (of 5uu's and Present fame) is on this record and writes about half the compositions, so there are some kick-ass atonal rock-out sections in addition to the more classical-sounding compositions by bandleader Gary Grigsby.

I haven't heard the second album, Strange Attractors, because I'm told it's not nearly as good, but the self-titled debut is amazing. Also along similar lines is Grigsby's band Motor Totemist Guild - I really like City of Mirrors.

Check out the reviews of U Totem's self-titled album at Ground & Sky and also (especially) the one at Progweed (www.progweed.net) - lots of info there.

Edited by progreviews

I only have Strange Attractors and of that I like bits... Methinks I might have to try their debut!

I have both albums, I think I've heard them before, but I'll listen to them again to re-familiarise myself with them.

I really love Ahvak, which contains Dave Kerman on drums.  Superb Israeli band.

I only have their debut album, but It's excellent all the way through. A really excellent album, in my opinion.