So what’s the finished product like? I can best sum it up as the most exciting and exhilerating 66 minutes of instrumental music I have heard since first hearing Australia’s Dirty Three album, HORSE STORIES and the classic live acoustic set, FRIDAY NIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO, from the John McLaughlin Trio (back in the mid-90’s). And I’ve heard some truly wonderful jazz recordings over the years, together with the more recent brilliant acoustic guitar music of Mexican duo Rodgrigo Y Gabriela. But if there is one album that has the potential to turn people onto modern instrumental music, it’s this one.

Opening track ‘Need Strange’ opens innocently enough in funk jazz style but about a third of the way in Smith’s drumming becomes more improvised and exciting, the pace quickens and the guitar sings. ‘The Battle For Ventura Blvd’ also opens fairly quietly and I’m immediately struck by the super-strong melody and Kollman’s lyrical guitar playing - it sings as well as any voice. There’s also a cinematic ambience to the song - you can imagine it playing in some suave cat burglar movie… ‘Oh I Spilled My Beer’ raises the temperature by more than a few degrees as it gathers pace led by Smith’s drumming and some of the finest guitar riffs on the album.’Tops Off’ is a sultry, sexy affair with keyboards becoming more prominent along with another magnificent guitar display. The melody is nothing short of monstrous as the song winds its way off into the distance. Jagged funk returns with ‘Death Match’ and is underpinned by one of the most powerful melodies on the album. But there is a surprise in store when at the middle-eight it moves up several gears to aggressive mode with a fabulous drum contribution from Smith and soaring guitar passages from Kollman.

‘Night Sweats’ is a contemplative piece with a distinct Latin style rhythm and some delicate piano passages. But there’s also a threatening undertone which suddenly surfaces as piano, guitar and drums gather pace and race each other for the finishing line… Superb! ‘Bread Balls’ takes on a strong R&B vibe, underpinned by yet another fabulous melody. ‘Into The Floyd’ is the most beautiful song here with its glacial pace, wandering, alternating piano and guitar passages. As the song nears its close the piano takes on a more assertive role supported by another breathtaking guitar riff! Magnificent…

This glorious album closes with a live concert track called ‘Status Spectrum’ which provides space for each of the protagonists to display their wares in no uncertain way. The song mixes light and dark, and is moodier, purer jazz. As with a number of songs here the pace picks up towards the end with a massive instrumental crescendo met by the inevitable crowd applause, and finally the fading sound of band leaving stage.

This album has everything you could ever want: great songs, great performances, solid melodies, diversity of pace and mood, and one vital ingredient that makes it so astounding for the listener - magnificent production (play this one loud!). It even sports fabulous and funny cover artwork! For many years I’ve thought that the best heavy rock musicians can play anything and play it well (in sharp contrast to most middle-of-the-road rock bands). This album proves my point, and comes with my strongest recommendation.

5/5

Band Photographs By Autumn Lee

Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats  MEET THE MEATBATS (e.a.r MUSIC) is released on 12 October 2009.

www.bombasticmeatbats.com

www.myspace.com/bombasticmeatbats