CARNIVAL DETOURNEMENT

Categorizing this kind of music would be a quite difficult task. This kind of music belong in fact to Rio/Avant from its folkish side, maybe as Samla, (not sure about that, that's what I feel right now), along with many more influences, rather to the old school and roots of progressive rock. Carnival contains very complicated compositions, with many kinds of modern classical techniques, rock elements, Marches bands, klayzmer, folk/traditional music, and that's not all... It could not be defined as classical music, and actually, what could be more excited than that? Art rock at the highest level, that pushing the boundaries while remain haunting and captivating.

The jumps between styles occur even at the same track. Personally I prefer the more relaxed compositions and less jumpy, even though the jumps are justified, it doesn't occur because someone lost control, it create "andralamusia" environment, kind of carnival.

I liked the calmer compositions, especially those with the klayzmer parts which are performed very well, such as "Jeanne Marie", "Tick Fever", kind of a valse, "Drunken Penguin Tango", which suit exactly to the name description, "the Cat Song", wonderful klayzmer, and the last track, "a Reluctant Farewell" which ends with some wonderful accordion notes in the unique style of Dave Willey. Dave Willey, together with John Stubbs, is also responsible for the compositions.

There are lot of unusual instruments combinations which unpredictably works: trombone goes with toys instruments like harmonium, melodica, guitarron , cheap electric guitar against real electric guitar, woodwinds, mandolin, acoustic bass, drums, and to add spice to that, a little bit electronica. All of it creates a very colorful and original environment.

In short, these guys are remarkably talented and creative. It is highly recommended to follow them in their various bands and projects. For all who look for original and innovative music that do not just repeat on things done in the past, it is worthwhile to look after these people. They are all come from the west of US, which seemed to be THE geographical era right now for any innovative and original music.