OF NATURAL HISTORY

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum

RIO/Avant-Prog

4.13 | 256 ratings

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friso
Prog Reviewer

Sleepy-time Gorilla Museum - Of Natural History (2004)

I usually don't listen to modern prog, but there are exceptions. Take for instance this very inventive and original album of SGM. Rightfully listed as avant-garde, this is one of most bizarre albums I listen to.

SGM mixes strange sounding metal with sounds of nature, math-metal, silly & political conceptual song-writing, tribal sounds and some other things I probably forget to mention. The use of thrash metal instrumentation combined with the avant-garde like songwriting works very well, mainly because of the amazing low vocals. The female vocals on some tracks (Gunday's Child for intance) are also very intense. The bizarre harmonics and rhythmical patterns are played on self-build instruments and all have a unique sound. The wide range of percussions give this album a soul. All instrumental parts are unique, which is perhaps the main attraction of this album.

The lyrical themes of the band are strong. I really love the lyrics of FC the Freedom Club, The Creature and Cockroach (your problems aren't mine!). Most of the lyrics are about society or bizarre made-up events. Other favorites are the heavy The Donkey-Headed Adversary of Humanity Opens the Discussion and the almost Christmas-like opener A Hymn to the Morning Star.

Conclusion. The sound of the band is often very provocative, many listeners of the 'normal' sympho-prog will find nothing of value here. In stead, this album is for those who embrace the progressive spirit and who prefer innovation above all. This album has an amazing list of totally new songs, with 'Baby Doctor' being the only weak moment. Making such an unique album must be rewarded with a big four star rating. Essential modern prog for those who dare.

friso | 4/5 | 2011-2-11

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