INVENTIONS FOR THE NEW SEASON

The second album from this band based in Athens, Georgia (USA) and the first I have heard in full, only hearing a few songs off of other albums. All instrumental and featuring the now deceased drummer Jerry Fuchs. Those who think post-rock can't actually rock need to hear this album. The music is generally upbeat with a steady rhythm section. Some post-punk, almost New Wave influences in the music, as well as a hint of psychedelia. No keyboards but sometimes the guitars play keyboard-like sounds. Recommended to those who want a little 'oomph!' in their post-rock.

There are two similar titled songs: the 4 minute "Kalimera" and the 2 minute "Kalinihta"; these are just guitar soundscapes but the former is more melodic and interesting. Another short track is "This Is A Sight We Had One Day From The High Mountain" which of course has the longest tile on the album. This track sounds very electronic and reminds me of some industrial music. "Inventions" is the longest track and it takes a while to get to where its going. But it's worth it. Fast picked guitars rise out of a staticy beginning. Another distorted guitar plays random chords here and there. Yet another guitar joins the fast picked guitar repeating a few notes; the music is becoming very hypnotic at this point.

The guitar playing gets more melodic as first the hi-hat and then the rest of the drumkit joins in. Eventually the band goes into a nice groove based on a 6 note bassline. Some of the guitars get more spacey and atmospheric at times while another guitar almost solos. Pretty much stays that way until the end. Great track. "12/16" opens with guitar-generated but keyboard-like soundscapes. Then it goes into a typical rhythm section oriented style of post-rock. Later sounds more post-punk/New Wave during the 'chorus' section (there is no choruses in instrumental music, but you get the idea). Ends on more of a 'alternative' rock kind of vibe.

I'm not sure if there is three previous installments of "Synchronicity IV" or not. This begins with a very indie/alternative style of guitar playing. The rhythm section is pretty simple and straight-forward at this point. Then it switches to some kind of Radiohead-meets-post-rock vibe. The music gets more intense as the musicians get louder and looser. Eventually the band calms down a bit and you hear some fast bongo playing. Nice touch. "Show Me The Season" is another longer track and is centered around a busy bassline. Between the fast bass playing and the hard drumming, this track apears to be more heavy than it is. The guitars are generally played in a more typical post-rock manner. The repetition and intense rhythm section makes this track grab your attention and won't let go. Whew!

"The World Outside" starts off in post-punk territory, gradually getting more atmospheric as it goes along. The drumming here really stands out. The other songs I have heard from them sound similar to the songs on this album...just not as good. They may or may not be a one trick pony, but Inventions For The New Season is a pony ride you won't forget. I'll give this 3.5 and round it up to 4 stars.