Exposé Online banner

Bone Cave Ballet — Will of the Waves
((Not on label) no#, 2013, CD)

by Jon Davis, 2013-11-12:

Will of the Waves Cover art Bone Cave Ballet's second release is a five-song EP containing a bit more than 25 minutes of music. Normally I don't like to lead off a review with a negative, but there's so much to like about Will of the Waves that its short length is really the only flaw. The engaging style of their debut comes more into its own with these tunes, presenting a self-assured sound that perfectly balances proggy complexity and sheer melodic appeal. The set sneaks up on the listener deceptively, with "Breakup Yoga" and two interlocking guitar parts backed by drum rims for rhythm. But the arrangement builds up to a great riff punctuated by unison fills. Jacqui Gilroy's voice floats above it all, somehow apart from the fury yet locked in with it. "Great Cycle" also starts out quietly and builds in intensity, but then it works through sections of varying levels, showing the band's command of dynamics. The tempo kicks up with "Newton's 3rd," and Gilroy's flute is added to the mix for "Shape to Stay." There's not a weak track in the set, and frustration leads me to just hit Repeat when it ends. Please, everyone, leave them alone long enough to get some more material recorded!

by Henry Schneider, 2014-02-14:

What a unique name! I’m not at all sure what it means, but it does sound cool. Bone Cave Ballet is a Seattle-based band that is entering their sixth year as a band and Will of the Waves, a five track CD EP, is their latest release. They perform energetic, stripped down progressive rock with dissonant hints of Robert Fripp. The band is Jacqui Gilroy (vocals and guitar), Kelly Mynes (drums), Ezekiel Lords (bass), and Jeff Blancato (guitar and backing vocals). Jacqui’s vocals remind me of fellow Seattle musician Anisa Romero (Sky Cries Mary). Four of the five songs feature her harmonized vocals that can be very beautiful. Unfortunately on “Great Cycle” Jacqui’s nasal voice does not resonate with me. All four musicians play off one another, including doubling of Jacqui’s voice. Many of the songs go through multiple tempo and mood changes from spirited guitar riffing to trippy voices to acoustic guitar passages that serve to hold your interest. The best songs for me are “Shape to Stay” and “Newton’s 3rd.” It is a shame that Bone Cave Ballet did not have more material to include on the disc. It is a bit short at 25 minutes.

Filed under: New releases , 2013 releases

Related artist(s): Bone Cave Ballet

More info

Latest news

2021-04-01
New Aristocrats Live Album on the Way – No foolin'! These supreme musicians toured Europe early in 2020, just before touring ceased to be a thing musicians could do, and there were some hot performances captured. On May 7, some of these will be releases as Freeze! Live in Europe 2020. » Read more

2021-03-25
Return of Jerry Lucky's Progressive Rock Files – After much consideration and surprisingly, positive feedback, Jerry Lucky is announcing the launch of the progressive Rock Files podcast, featuring the latest progressive rock music from around the world. » Read more

2021-03-14
Jewlia Eisenberg RIP – The sad news has come out that Jewlia Eisenberg has died. As a founding member of Charming Hostess, Eisenberg changed the face of music, bringing together Balkan klezmer, American folk, and experimental rock in a distinctive blend that garnered much praise. » Read more

2021-03-11
RIP Roger Trigaux – The sad news has come to our attention that Roger Trigaux, the guiding force of Present and former member of Univers Zero, passed away on the evening of March 10, 2021 after a long ilness. » Read more

2021-02-14
SoundQuest Fest 2021 – SoundQuest Fest, first experienced as a live festival in Tucson Arizona in 2010 was created by ambient music pioneer Steve Roach. This 2021 event will unite a worldwide gathering of artists and audience members together for a 3-day online event unique in the realm of ambient music. From March 26-28th a continuous flow of streamed performances, audio-video wonder worlds and deep immersion zones will burn bright on Roach’s YouTube channel. » Read more

More news

Previously in Exposé...

Philharmonie - Nord – Philharmonie was formed as an electric guitar trio by Frederic L'Epee, best known as the founder and leader of the brilliant 70s French group Shylock. After a relatively unknown self-released...  (1994) » Read more

Värttinä - Ilmatar – With Ilmatar, the Finnish band Värttinä enters a third phase of their career. The switch to NorthSide puts them in the company of many like-minded Scandinavians. Like Sweden’s Hedningarna and...  (2001) » Read more

David Torn - Presenz – Guitarist David Torn's return to the ECM label is surely a testament to the man’s desire to push forward. His long time collaborators (Tim Berne and his Science Friction band of improvisers) provide...  (2008) » Read more

Mastermind - III - Tragic Symphony – Mastermind's third album is the first to see release on a major label. Mastermind are Bill and Rich Berends (brothers from New Jersey) who continue on in Volume III much as they did with the first...  (1995) » Read more

Onségen Ensemble - HottoïzzoH – They call it a Mini-CD, not because it’s smaller than a normal size CD, but because there is only about 15 minutes of music on it. But it’s among the coolest 15 minutes of 2007 releases I...  (2008) » Read more

Random review

Listen & discover

Was Gong funky?

More recommendations
The Eighteenth Dream of Dr. Sardonicus Festival 2019

Print issues