Beats, buzzing and drones might be an oversimplification of J.T. Bates debut solo release, but it does encapsulate a small part of what Bates is trying to achieve on this album. If you’re into experimental music, you will need to give this a listen. Open Relationships starts off with a simple and short track of what sounds like hands hitting drums and little else.
As it moves into the second track, “Rich Kids” the beats mix with sounds and noise creating a build up adding a little more at a time but not getting too out of hand.
These solo drum arrangements, manipulated and performed by Bates, also has contributions on a few tracks from electronic/noise artist Mark MgGee and one track from guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker.
My favorite track is entitled “Dale.” I dig the drum beat as it transforms, buzzes and clicks. You can hear a boom that hangs out just a little bit and raises the hair on my arms.
Track 6, which is titled “Side B” is the last and longest track. It’s a good bookend to the album. It’s got a little more out there. It gets quiet it gets loud, it’s dynamic.
Myself not being an expert in experimental music, I couldn’t tell you who this sounds like or any reference points. J.T. Bates, however, has an amazing local history, playing in many bands that run from alt-country, rock, bluegrass, jazz to improvisational and experimental music.
This album interests me, in the fact that while it won’t garner the attention of Bates more conventional projects, it is a local historical piece. The right people will find it, listen to it and enjoy it.
This albums officially release is today 12/18, and the release show is happening at Jazz Implosion at Icehouse on 12/28
http://totallygrossnationalproduct.com/product/open-relationships
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