STRANGE DEVICE

The follow-up to Alloy, Salle Gaveau's collection of Astor Piazzolla inspired original tangos, Strange Device somehow manages to not come across as a rehash of its predecessor's work. It would be easy to see how a certain amount of redundancy could be expected from a very defined rhythmic device as the tango. But these tangRIO masters have managed to produce an album that has a clear differentiation from their debut. A "Strange Device" indeed.

The first obvious difference between Alloy and Strange Device is Kido Natsuki's much heavier, almost exclusive reliance on electric guitars. Both in soloing/melodic patterns and rhythm structures. The recording quality also appears to be more expansive. It is hard to tell whether which aspect was driving the other or whether they were mutually exclusive components. But it makes for a more dynamic production. Having that increased depth to recording quality also allows the accordion to become a much more solid soloing mechanism. Additionally, the piano appears on Strange Device to be a wrapping that encapsulates the compositions in a warm embrace; again, facilitated by the broader expanse of the recording. The reliance on chromaticism is far and away decreased, giving the formula a more jazzy presentation. One might consider this a "safer" approach, but it does not distract from the underlying compositional complexity. It does, however, make this album fit the description of a far more accessible production.

Another fantastically enjoyable Salle Gaveau. I hate such arbitrary qualifiers as "classy". But what the hell? This is a classy album. Its one of those "sneak prog in on your family" albums that you can put on at dinner time and mom will be impressed with you. And if you actually learn to tango...oh my! 4 stars