erasing clouds
 

The Mary Timony Band, The Shapes We Make

reviewed by dave heaton

For some reason I used to think of Helium as Mary Timony's mosty elaborate band, and the music she's created since as more stripped-down. But maybe I should re-listen. Yes, the Mary Timony Band here is guitar, bass, drums (plus some uncredited piano) – a simple trio – but the music they make is dense and generous. The thick, prickly guitar and bass aid the drums in creating a slow, tough stomp at times, with "prog-rock" styles breaking out at the album's end. I hesitate to use the words 'stoner rock', but I will say that every time I put this on at work I fall asleep, even when the pace is uptempo, the playing is forceful and Timony's melody-writing is on display…as they often are.

But that's no complaint; this is a heady dream, and an alluring one. Timony's not singing about wizards and castles any more, but still casting spells. The lyrics are alternately confrontational ("Sharpshooter" has Ted Nugent killed by the deers he's been killing) and philosophical – though in a cutting, steely way. And now that I'm thinking about how sharp the knives of this album are, let me take back that reference to a "dream". This is very visceral, in the moment music, even when it drifts.

{www.killrockstars.com}


this month's issue
archive
about erasing clouds
links
contact
     

Copyright (c) 2007 erasing clouds