SIZEWELL TEA

Jaunty and lively, Led Bib's sophomore release is a fun little album. While there's a lot I am partial to on this album, there's also a lot that gives me a damn headache, so it is a collection of instrumentals that I appreciate somewhat selectively. But when it's good, it's great.

"Stinging Nettle" The album kicks off with a great saxophone riff that pops in and out of the piece, which consists of heavy dissonance and quick transitions. Foot-stomping bass work and drumming pound out a solid basis, even as the saxophones are screaming and raising hell over it.

"Battery Power" The dual saxophones sound like a swarm of disgruntled bees making their way toward the listener before stopping just short, allowing for a nice horn cadenza very early on in the piece. The remainder of the track is much more difficult to follow, and therefore for me, to enjoy.

"Shower" A soft, descending beginning offers a delightful basis for a stark piano. Even when it picks up, it maintains a warm feeling despite going from melancholy to cheerfulness. This, along with the final piece, is my favorite work on the album.

"Manifesto For The Future" After a blaring introduction, the music becomes something more akin to traditional upbeat jazz, complete with a rollicking rhythm section.

"Spring" A static piano riff brings in low brass, all of which erupts into another static riff and a wild saxophone duet. The piano solo has a "falling-down-the-stairs" quality to it, even when playing ascending riffs; along with the percussion, it really sounds like someone is making a mess!

"The Keeper" Following a brief, psychedelic run on electric piano, more discordant brass bounces over a steady rhythm. The electronic grating is a nice addition, and the two saxophones play off each other well, even when their individual riffs don't pair up melodically.

"Forest Fire" The easygoing bass riff, piano, and light lead instruments fading in somewhat remind me of "Flamenco Sketches" by Miles Davis, even though this piece has very little in relation to that one. There is a lengthy, unaccompanied upright bass solo in the middle.

"Chocky" A bizarre electronic tone begins the lengthiest work. The electronic aspect remains throughout, mostly serving to provide the conflicting melody under the howling saxophones. No, I really can't say I care for this one at all.

"Lichen" Led Bib once again shows that they can be discordant and yet maintain a rich melody, even though I'm certainly not fond of either the high-pitched squealing or the rampage of a hundred random notes by all the instruments. The piece suddenly becomes rather eerie before turning into another barrage of noise.

"Heroes" Great drumming begins the final track, which features a remarkable melodic theme and a bass that sounds "in a hurry." As such, this wonderful work reminds me quite a bit of old Buddy Rich pieces. The music is full of both great textures and remarkable melodies- the conclusion to the album is excellent.