Muz - "Muz" (Skill Crane Collecktiv 1998, 001 LP)
Muz - "Muz" (Skill Crane Collecktiv 1998, 001 LP)
From Aural Innovations #5 (January 1999)
The latest from the Vas Deferens Organization camp is a vinyl release from Matt Castille and David Fargason under the moniker Muz. Except for an insert that states who the musicians are and that it's from VDO Studios there is virtually no information about this album. No song titles. I don't even know which is side one or side two. And you know what? It doesn't matter! Cause it's full of that great VDO style instrumental mayhem that renders any sense of songs being given identity through titles unnecessary. And it's got a way cool cover of two mustachioed Inca looking dudes and gorgeous colors that wouldn't have been given justice by a lil 'ol CD.
One side (not necessarily side one) starts out as an easy going electronic psych journey. It's rhythmically a bit jazzy, but things soon get cosmically bubbly and the remainder of this side consists of freaky electronic explorations, gonging bells, strange vocalizations, and various other sounds that should suffice if you've found yourself fresh out of chemical hallucinogens.
The other side creates a more haunting atmosphere and the music, while still psychedelically freaky in parts, has a somewhat minimalist, industrial edge to it. It's more like the experimental Residents influenced side of the band I heard on previous recordings. An interesting journey through various sounds and rhythms. Things do, however, get quiet for a couple minutes and this side culminates in just over a minute of total psychedelic freakout music.
To say that these guys are prolific would be a serious understatement. If you missed the VDO profile in AI #4 check it out now.
Check Muz and other Vas Deferens Organization releases at the VDO Studio web site. Highest recommendation for freaky music!!
Reviewed by Jerry Kranitz