CRISIS IN CLAY

I asked Dave Kerman what band or album contained his best performances and he said the 5UU'S. Considering the number of bands and projects he's been involved with I knew I had to check this band out. I would describe this record as dark, moody, atmospheric and complex,with electronic noises throughout. The songs are relatively short with the longest being just under 5 minutes.The vocals are a cross between Jon Anderson and Perry Farrell, and the drumming and bass playing are especially good.The dynamic duo of Kerman and Drake ! This album is hard to digest and is very much an Avant / Rio album.

Some of the highlights for me are "The How-To's Of Self Taught" a song that features keys, deep bass and drums. This is dark and heavy with piano melodies. "Hunter-Gatherer" opens with an angular guitar melody and features some great bass and drums.

"Darkened Doors" opens with piano and percussion that changes to synths and gentle vocals, and then back again.The song becomes dark and suffocating. "The Encounter" sounds amazing to start out, very dark. "Cirrus" opens with acoustic guitar and synths with keyboards and vocals to follow. This is haunting at first. There is some complex instrumentation as usual. "Weaponry" is a fast and furious one minute song. "Absolutely, Absolute" features a good melody with great vocals.

Not the best place to start for someone new to this genre. Heck this is as complex and out there as you can get.