Zach Hill - Astrological Straits
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Free Music Notes for Astrological Straits
Free Music Review: oh yeah, it's awesome
Hit: 5 Stars
This cd is basically a dream come true for Zach Hill fans. I've listened to just about all of his stuff, and this is definitely the best in terms of overall accessibility, relistenability, and balance. Like the last reviewer said, this cd is very conceptual, and I'd say even borders on pop occasionally with very memorable/singable hooks. His first solo cd (with hella)"church gone wild" is pretty loose and crazy comparitively. The production sound quality on this cd is very balanced and pleasant to the ears. I've been frustrated sometimes with the difficulty in being able to clearly hear all of what's going on with several other albums he's played on, including Cryptomnesia with Omar. Also I believe this is the first album to really showcase his unique vocal style, which sounds to me like a wise, spaced out dude that's had his share of enlightening acid trips. As far as all the help he enlisted for this album, honestly I didn't even notice there were special guests the first couple times I listened, that's how well they blend in. ANd of course, the drumming is just plain jaw-dropping (he's hand's down the best and most innovative drummer out there, duh)as usual.Free Music Review: Visionary
Hit: 5 Stars
All I can say is that this CD is by far one of the most creative/authentic/innovative albums of the decade, and possibly of our generation. For those of you who say or think this is a freestyle -non rythmic- album, you are completely wrong. Being a drummer myself who takes very seriously music in terms of a conceptual-visionary mindset, I must say that, unlike his work with Hella and Omar which is pretty abstract, this album is extremely conceptual. It has a lot of rythm and groove, but more importantly, it has perspective. Moreover, the entire CD is addictive and hearable.
As a conclusion, I recommend it to any musician, especially drummers. But don't fall on the technique-chops issue. This album has much more to offer than merely playing extreme chops for the sake of it. Before hearing this CD, Zach's playing was impressive to me and all but nothing else. After hearing it, it completely changed my perspective of his playing. This is certainly something that will change the course of music and push it into other directions.
Free Music Review: Mayhem/genius
Hit: 4 Stars
My review is titled as such because this album, Zach Hill's first solo release, is an uneven blend of the two. On one hand, you get true inspiration, like the entirety of the free-improv duet "Necromancer", with its near-telepathic interaction between Hill and pianist Marco Benevento, but on the other, you get songs like "Uhuru", which succumbs to its own delirious whirlwind of sound that is created by Hill's spastic drum solo and layers of noise.
So is it worth buying? Absolutely. At its best, it shows Hill's great ability not just as a drummer, but as a composer and and all-around musician. He's one of the most unique players to come around in quite some time, and this album certainly shows that, for better or worse.
Free Music Review: 4.75: Words can't even begin to describe
Hit: 5 Stars
Zach Hill, also known as half of Hella, has put out his debut album, which is quite possibly the craziest album ever recorded. If you've heard Hella's music, you know what you're getting into with Hill's inhuman, frenetic drumming.
On his debut, he does everything; he sings (with some strange lyrics I might add), plays guitar, bass, and of course, his drums. However, he employs a HUGE variety of instruments on top of these, which include: piano, synthesizer, flute, coronet, bugle, melodica, keyboards, synth bass, baritone guitar, saxophone, trumpet, the list is endless. It may sound sloppy, but it is most certainly not. Most people won't like it though, because it's all freestyle music. The songs have no rhythm, and change on a dime.
On top of this insane album, comes a second disc, Necromancer. One 33 minute long song, it starts with a short narrative about a necromancer, then EXPLODES with an absolutely relentless barrage of drums and piano. What's remarkable though is that the song was recorded in one take. Absolutely mind-boggling and indescribable.
Easily one of the best and craziest albums ever. If you love any style of music, especially avant-garde stuff, definitely check this out. An added bonus: the cd's come in a nice, thcik digipak, with some really cool artwork. Long live Zach Hill.
Free Music Review: Quick Heads up
Hit: 5 Stars
FYI: The vinyl version does not come with necromancer, which is half the reason I bought it in the first place. Its great otherwise, but if you were looking forward to hearing that 30 min track you have to get the cd i guess. :(
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