SLUDGE AND TRIPE

Sludge & Tripe is the debut album by this UK band, an outfit experimental in attitude and adhering to the principles of the Rock In Opposition movement. And most likely dadaism as well.

In the 16 tracks presented we're taken on a wild musical ride, where folk, punk and jazz is at the core of the proceedings, and where whacky funk Les Claypool style and indie/post rock flavours are used to good effect for additional seasoning.

The compositions tends to have an emphasis on stark contrasts, with bombastic and often dramatic effects. Frenzied free-jazz inspired noisescapes as brief inserts in pastoral folk-inspired motifs, brutal punk and funk inspired themes explored side by side with mellow jazz tinged moods, unusual vocals for regular instrumentation and vice versa. The subtle approach isn't one you'll encounter too often in this excursion.

It's also a highly challenging disc, and clocking in at just over an hour most likely an exhaustive one as well for those unaccustomed to music of a more experimental nature. Those who tends to appreciate this genre should find this ride interesting though, and in particular if they aren't alien to a certain degree of pomposity.