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Reviews

Exsimio — Carbono 14
(Mylodon MyloCD034, 2005, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2007-03-01

Carbono 14 Cover art

It’s been over six years since Exsimio’s eponymous debut, but all is well, and their sophomore effort certainly offers the evidence. The Chilean quartet (g/g/b/d) has taken it a couple notches funkier in their endeavors, while still retaining much of their earlier math-rock sound. Once again, the program is dominated by short to mid-length instrumental tracks, fueled by complex interlocking guitar parts and a bristling high level of energy, coupled with an improvisational spirit that informs every one of the eleven pieces; the few tracks with vocals feature spoken Spanish lyrics by bassist Carlos Perez. The changes in their sound come at the bottom end and at the top as well: a brutal, energetic and funky interplay between bass and drums keeps the rhythmic edge busy, while the dual guitars pull their complexities and atmospherics together in a way that seems more loose and free than on the debut. If there is a fault here, it’s that their style does get a bit samey over the duration, without enough ‘hook power’ to distinguish one track from the next; a little variety in pace and tempo would have taken care of this. Taken a track at a time, this material is positively brilliant, full of curves, angles, twists, and corners. Fans of 80s Crim, Don Cab, and the like will find plenty here to get excited about.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 34, 2005 releases

Related artist(s): Exsimio

More info
http://mylodonrecords.bandcamp.com/album/carbono-14

 

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