ACRE THRILLS

After making great debut U.S. Maple was a little bit lost in it's next two albums. But in this their fourth album they really found the 'clue'. In this album they went much more melodic direction, maybe also little bit more math direction. This album was produced by Brian Paulson, who has produced albums from the eighties, but probably is mostly known from Wilco's albums. This is the most produced from these four first albums, there is even echo used in some vocal tracks. But I believe it's still played live in the studio.

'Ma, Digital' has very melodic guitars, but very typical chaotic drums. Al is almost singing. Towards the end drums start to play rhythm. In 'Babe' there is rhythm almost the whole song, guitars are quite tickling but have also melodies. 'Rice Ain't Afraid Of Nothing' is really melodic, drums just hit simple hits. In previous album there was one 'Untitled' song, here's is two. First one is really Beefheart style, quite melodic instrumental with amp noise ending. 'Obey Your Concert' reminds really much Beefhearts 'Ice Cream for Crow'-album. 'Total Fruit Warning' continues in very same mood, but has also some Hendrix-style guitar playing. 'Open a Rose' has really great tom-tom drumplaying, but other guitar is really disturbing in this while other is again melodic. In 'Make Your Bedroom Great' direction goes calmer. 'Chang, You're Attractive' it's even calmer, it's kind of love song in U.S: Maple, don't really know was Chang impressed. 'Troop & Trouple' has marching drums and really great melodic guitars again. Another 'Untitled' has amp noise in the beginning, but changes into quite math instumental.

If Beefheart had sung this album, it would have been he's last album after 'Ice Cream for Crow'. This album is really good starter, if you want to listen U.S. Maple. It's MUST to all Beefheart-fans, but I believe all RIO/Avant fans will like this! I think at the moment this is their best album, but anyway I don't think it's masterpiece. Really wait to hear their final album!