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The Science Group — A Mere Coincidence
(ReR Megacorp SCIENCE1, 1999, CD)

A Mere Coincidence Cover art

Here we have an RéR all-star lineup producing 15 titles in what could generally be described as a modern variation of a Henry Cow-like style, not unlike recent efforts by 5uu's or Thinking Plague, with a bit more electronics and sampling mixed in; no surprise, then, that two ex-Cow members (Cutler and Frith) are involved. Main movers here are Bob Drake (bass, vocals, guitar, drums and all production), Stevan Tickmayer (piano, keys, zither, violin, and composer of nearly all the music) and Chris Cutler (drums, electronics and lyrics). Tickmayer has worked extensively in the fields of 20th Century music (both composed and improvised) and jazz, and for this project, he takes a collection of texts by Chris Cutler on various subjects relating to science, and sets them to music. Joining them are Fred Frith (guitars), Amy Denio (vocals on some tracks), and Claudio Puntin (clarinet and bass clarinet). Drake’s trademark production style permeates the project, as well as his Jon Anderson like voice, and at times one might forget that this is not a 5uu's disc. The music is marvelously disjointed and complex, full of abrupt shifts in tempo and mood, ranging from delicate acoustic passages to throbbing electric dissonance. Parts of it rock hard with intensity, but never lose that quirkiness and originality, absorbing and digesting a number of influences and styles along the way; other parts are simply beyond classification — too original to describe with words. It also shows just how close complex rock (or “pop” as Tickmayer prefers to call it) can come to “serious” 20th Century music of the academic (or even snobby) sort. The prime difference is one of instrumentation. Take these compositions and arrange them for strings and winds instead of guitars and keyboards, and perform them in a symphony hall on a bill with Cage or some other modern master, and no one would think anything is amiss. Overall, this is an excellent disc that should go far to please friends of the Cow, the Plague, or any explorers — veterans or newcomers alike, of the more challenging and unconventional side of progressive rock.

by Peter Thelen, Published 2000-05-01

Yugoslavian composer Stevan Tickmayer has worked extensively in the fields of 20th Century music (both composed and improvised) and jazz. For this project, he takes a collection of texts by Chris Cutler on various subjects relating to science, and sets them to music, which is performed by Tickmayer himself (piano, keyboards, zither, violin, guitar, samples), Cutler (drums, electronics), Amy Denio (vocals), Bob Drake (bass, vocals, guitar, drums), Fred Frith (guitars), and Claudio Puntin (clarinet, bass clarinet). Bob Drake produces and contributes one composition. The music is marvelously disjointed and complex, full of abrupt shifts in tempo and mood, ranging from delicate acoustic passages to throbbing electric dissonance. Amy Denio provides serene interpretations of Cutler’s rather unusual words, sounding surprisingly like a choirboy. This collection provides another viewpoint on the style originated many years ago by Henry Cow and Slapp Happy, lately advocated by 5uu’s and related groups. It also shows just how close complex rock (or “pop” as Tickmayer prefers to call it) can come to “serious” 20th Century music of the academic (or even snobby) sort. The prime difference is one of instrumentation. Take these compositions and arrange them for strings and winds instead of guitars and keyboards, and perform them in a symphony hall on a bill with Cage or some other modern master, and no one would think anything is amiss. But use – gasp! – a drum kit and an electric guitar, and you’ll be quietly escorted to the stage door. Ranting aside, this is a fascinating collection of unique sounds, truly a great addition to the careers of all involved.

by Jon Davis, Published 2000-10-01

Filed under: New releases, Issue 19, 1999 releases

Related artist(s): Chris Cutler, Fred Frith, Stevan Kovacs Tickmayer, Amy Denio, Bob Drake, The Science Group

More info
http://thesciencegroup.bandcamp.com/album/a-mere-coincidence

 

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