(01.30.06) Not usually known for post-jazz-rock musings, Miami electronic label Merck has boldly leant its soapbox to a tremendously talented group of instrumental experimentalists from Minneapolis known as Lateduster. Since their formation in 1999, Lateduster has undergone some minor line-up and name changes before finally settling down as Andrew Broder, Martin Dash, JG Everest, and Bryan Olson — each a multi-instrumental contributor to these so-called Easy Pieces.
At first listen, Lateduster displays some obvious similarities to other modern instrumental groups (Jaga Jazzist/Tortoise). However, this band offers a unique and refreshing sense of freedom in their compositions, shifting gears from the electronically-treated jamming of album opener “Shaker/Flicker” to the hauntingly introverted piano of “Keno.” “Sonata” takes us on a disjointed and cinematic ride through the twilight urban landscape before “Hospital no.32” treats our psychic bed spins — all the while “Love Theme” is there waiting to gently massage our tired feet after a hard day’s listen.
The complexity of the music on Easy Pieces is balanced rather beautifully by the palatability of the sounds contained within. The electric pianos are as warm as a mother’s hum, the drums — flat and crisp as a tortilla for the rest of the band to fill in and overflow from. It is a bountiful feast of tones and moods with bits of jazzy guitar poking out here and there. Easy Pieces, much like the cover art accompanying it, is a work of both natural and geometric shapes; perfect in imperfection.
Easy Pieces is out now on Merck. More information about Lateduster can be found at www.firetrunk.com
