Skeletonbreath are an instrumental rock trio comprised of Robert Pycior (violin), Andrew Platt (bass) and Tris Palazzolo (drums). Their sound has been described as Transylvanian surf rock and Halloween party music, and if that isn’t enough to make you want to check these guys out, then continue reading this review and by the end you’re guaranteed to be rocking out on their Myspace.
Eagle’s Nest, Devil’s Cave is almost 40 minutes of straight shedding from all three musicians. This is the only way I can think to describe their sound - a drummer, bassist and violinist all going completely nutso on their instruments, with no regard for genre or adherence to traditional musical formula. Sometimes it’s mellow, sometimes its groovy, sometimes its heavy, but there’s always something good going on and the band are exceptionally tight together. The bass and drums play in perfect sync with each other and together hold up the tempo and the low end of the audio spectrum. Platt’s bassing abilities are extraordinary; whether shredding some fast paced riffage or grooving out he’s always contributing positively to the mix. Palazzolo’s drumming is always tight, setting the tempo and pace, and although he doesn’t get overly technical on the fills, it works well with the feel of the music. On the higher end Pycior gets straight psychotic on his violin. His technique is all over the place, making use of the bow, plucking, and every other way you can shred a violin. Sometimes his riffs sound classically influenced, sometimes they have a metal sound to them, and sometimes they make you think it’s October 31st. Regardless of all the musicians’ individual contributions, the beauty lies in the sum of the three parts (“synergy” if you will). The three instruments are given equal priority in the mix, giving the three piece a huge sound, and with their free flowing song structures and experimental time signatures, the music has a technical aspect to it as well. Add in the occasional (very sparse) guitar, layered violins, or glockenspiel, and Eagle’s Nest is always giving you something new and interesting to rock out too.
This record is definitely a must for people who are looking for something different. I have yet to hear another band that sounds anything like these guys, hence why the “recommended if you like” section has no band names in it - because there’s really no one to compare them to. Make sure to check out some live videos on their myspace to see how this music really should be experienced, and if you liked this album be sure to check out their equally awesome debut, Louise.
http://www.myspace.com/skeletonbreath
01.dick tracy
02.dylan fisher
03.machinists
04.taxidermist convention
05.llarimo
06.skeletonbreath
07.the combustible man
08.texareana
09.caveman
10.silk city
