Fans of the precise, fractured, and experimental indie rock of Gastr del Sol and Tortoise should find some interest in percussionist Dan Brown's solo debut. Having worked with ex-Gastr David Grubbs, Brown can be seen as yet another proponent of the Chicago post-rock ideology. Inner Boroughs is an... [+] Expand

Fans of the precise, fractured, and experimental indie rock of Gastr del Sol and Tortoise should find some interest in percussionist Dan Brown's solo debut. Having worked with ex-Gastr David Grubbs, Brown can be seen as yet another proponent of the Chicago post-rock ideology. Inner Boroughs is an unclassifiable collection of composition/improvisations all performed by Brown on various percussion instruments. As no discernible melodies, lyrics, or even song forms are to be found here, this is definitely for those inclined toward intellectualized experimentation. It is not necessarily jazz, rock, or classical music, but Brown draws inspiration from all of these idioms, never completely eschewing the notion of a musical "tradition." Many possible influences come to mind while listening to Inner Boroughs, such John Cage's Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano with its ambient combination of what sounds like piano wires being struck along with drum sticks dragged across cymbals. Primarily a solo album, Brown is however joined by fellow percussionist Greg Anderson of Brian Melchoir's Broke Revue on "Curtains," sounding like lo-fi Kodo in an echo chamber. The disc also includes some great cover art paintings by Anke Bauer and Jesse Fischler. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

• songs
• similar
• videos
• eyeviews
• reviews
• download directory