Brandon Seabrook - Object Of Unknown Function

Object Of Unknown Function is multi-intrumentalist  Brandon Seabrook’s second solo album, coming ten years after his first, Sylphid Vitalizers.  It features Seabrook on an array of instruments, electric and 12-string guitars, vintage banjos and even cassette recordings used as an accompaniment.

The music is intense, dramatic, even aggressive; it is based on complex compositions and the use of multilayering of the various instruments delivered at breakneck speed.  It has been described as having ‘the inventiveness of a mad scientist’ and ‘a strong element of physicality’.

There is, however, a welcome variety and an element of humour across the ten tracks on the CD.  Certain tracks, for example, the title track and Perverted by Perseverance, create a high energy and almost manic effect by layering the sound of several instruments on top of each other, and by creating occasional sudden pauses before moving into a change of direction.  A more atmospheric mood is created on The Snow Falling, Failing by the use of a number of vintage tenor banjos playing over each other.  There are also a number of genuinely solo tracks without any layering; Unbalanced Love Portfolio and Phenomenal Doggerel feature solo banjo and Gawk Fodder and Some Recanted Evening feature the 12-string guitar.  

Another excellent recording from the Pyroclastic Records label.

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