Dromedary
"Artifact" CD
Solponticello
Records
Solponticello
195 Three Oaks Dr.
Athens GA 30607
Nov 18 - 24 2002 |
Dromedary
is comprised of guitarists Andrew Reissiger and Rob McMaken.
And oh boy are they good. Artifact is their debut
release, and it shows them at top-form. With Reissiger
championing both guitar and charango, and McMaken taking on the
mandolin and cümbüs, they have created ten tracks that blend all
sorts of influences and ideas together.
Right from the first piece, the two-part "Fado Triado,"
you know you've gotten into something good, with the Mexican guitar
sound coming across terrifically. It boasts a sense of
romanticism to it, and the warm sound of the instruments will
definitely get you smiling.
"Tukman's Cueca," meanwhile, is a Greek-tinged piece that
succeeds in being both musically complex and joyfully playful.
It sees the duo playing their instruments with a sense of breezy
mastery, showing off how simple it is for them to roll off intricate,
exact strokes with seemingly no thought at all. McMaken's
mandolin playing is especially notable, really taking the spotlight in
the track.
"The Jolly Hobbler," meanwhile, is a laidback stride that
would go well as lounge music, yet still stands up on its own.
While Artifact may have a very relaxed atmosphere to it,
calling it "background music" is an outrage. Its sound
does work as a background, it's true, but it is in the foreground that
Artifact
really becomes a truly rewarding work.
Go out and check this album out; Dromedary are on the verge
of becoming a powerful force on the scene, you might as well get used
to them. From the enthusiastic warmth of "Tukman's Cueca"
to the spirited mysticism of "Camels Waltzing," Artifact
is an album that needs to be heard to be believed.
91%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
10 tracks; distributed by the
label;
released 2001] |