IT'S A FUDGE

This 2003 EP (which at around 35 minutes is nearly a full album) forms our introduction to Norwegian Post Rock band Tuna Laguna. Here we have five extended tracks, running to around 6-7 minutes.

While labelling the band as post rock may be convenient, the simple fact is that those who come to the EP seeking the music of bands such as Explosions in the Sky may be disappointed. The opening "Judy loop" actually has far more in common with jazz fusion, the shuffling rhythm and dominant electric piano providing a smoothness not associated with the post rock genre. As the track develops, it moves towards Krautrock territories, with frantic fuzz guitar and a general looseness to the overall sound.

"Lady Mongolia" is even lighter, the overall lounge feel of the piece belying the underlying depth. Only in the latter half of the track do we find the heavier phonetic drumming associated with post rock. "One who brings joy" slows things down becoming more in line with what we know as Post Rock, but still devoid of the pounded guitars which tend to characterise that style. While competently performed, overall the track is too repetitive, monaural, and generally dull for my taste.

"Drink what I drink" reverts to the fusion style, with strong retro hints of bands such as Brand X. The wah-wah sounds and funky piano once again evidence a strong jazz orientation. The closing " Rhömcke Raff" is a case of more of the same, the track building from a sparse beginning with intrusive drumming via another loose jazz theme. Despite its apparent 11 minute length, the track fades after around 6 minutes due to the presence of a hidden track. This turns out to be a brief indulgence irrelevant to the rest of the album.

In all, a competent first release by the band, which offers the prospect of them developing into a fine collective. There is a certain naivety to the music here which needs to be kept firmly in check if Tuna Laguna are to establish a true identity for themselves.

This album is currently available for free download via the band's website.

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