THE FACE

Picked this up from the show I caught of their's last night with only a vague idea of what to expect. Essentially what it is is improvised music from the band being played over the improvisations of a contortionist's face in response to the music. The end result is a very uninteresting one visually but a much more interesting experience aurally. I asked Carla, the violonist, about it and she said the music appearing on this half hour dvd was edited down from an hour and a half's worth of what they had recorded for the dvd. I would have much rather put my money down on an audio cd of just the improvised music they had done than on the fifteen bucks I spent for this. No redeeming quality concerning the video whatsoever; I would strongly advise NOT purchasing this dvd unless they drop the price down to no more than five dollars or you are a rabid completionist.

Two stars only for the good but brief improvised music.

By the way, SGM puts on an AMAZING live show, and I try not to throw around such words lightly. Fantastically talented multi-instrumentalists and dark, brooding atmospheres really give this band a Gentle Giant meets '74 era King Crimson vibe. If the opportunity arises, see them live at any cost!