Michael Patrick Brady

My review of Zach Hill’s Astrological Straits ran today in the Boston Phoenix.

I really enjoyed this disc. Completely off-the-wall, drummer-led abstract noise with a tuneful, playful energy. I had never really warmed up to Hella (the math-rock guitar was never my thing), though I appreciated what they did and the power they put into their performances. Still, despite my lack of enthusiasm for their work, when they started shifting toward more traditional, less anarchic songs, it seemed like a step in the wrong direction.

Astrological Straits is the right direction: every-which-way, all over the place, and willing to boldly experiment with sound, structure, and cohesiveness.

“Keep Calm and Carry On” is probably my favorite track, the anthemic, mantra-like chorus (“look at the stars / be in the stars / look at the stars” etc.) serving as a really gnarly hook. Hill’s drumming is thick and propulsive and he is able to lead this cacophony without restraining it too much. Good ideas are allowed to bloom and develop, but never left to spoil; new motives and themes are introduced hot on their heels.