While their live shows don't have the same what-will-they-play-next? variation as Phish or the Grateful Dead, they do consistently crank out powerful performances. Their multi-layered rhythm section bangs away on a variety of odd-shaped percussion instruments, while the bass drum holds it all together by thudding away every single beat. On top of this, you'll hear some grooving bass and raw acoustic guitar as well as some merry penny-whistling. Lead singer Mike Glabicki chants and growls out melodic mumblings backed up by two female fellow-chanters. Their family-like appearance and meditative intensity create a charismatic visual groove as well.
Capturing this on CD is no small feat, so the album can at best be considered a companion to their live shows. However, it is definitely a refreshing and enjoyable listen. If you have already worn out the last couple albums from Paul Simon and David Byrne and would like more of that infectious, percussion-centric stuff, you should get this. The biggest flaw revealed by the recording is the lack of discernible lyrics. Hearing them perform live, you figure that while the words are not coming through, they must be singing about something incredibly heavy. The album lets you know what you're not missing. If you can put that aside, all the lively percussion and quasi-spiritual vocalizations should easily lift you into a higher level of cosmic awareness (or at least get you dancing).
- Glenn Ricci