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Cerberus Shoal, "Mr. Boy Dog"
The longer it goes on, the weirder it gets, and then it tames itself.You see, this is not the Cerberus Shoal you're used to. It has some ofthe same elements, that's true, such as the horns and jazz structureswith moments of ambient drone and beauty. But this is a bit different.Scratch that. A lotdifferent. This time around, Cerberus Shoal have gone the moreimprovisational route, abandoning structure as it is commonly known fora bit wilder, more chaotic, jumbled noise of a sound. Yes, it does spantwo CDs. Yes, it is genuine. Yes, it is meant to be this way. And yes,it is good. But I miss the more tame Cerberus Shoal. Don't mistake: therecord does have structure in places—'Nataraja,' though a bitmonotonous around the middle, is a highlight—and the two separate discsare different thematically; which is why, though the release could fiton one CD, they are separated. It just sounds like Cerberus Shoalstarted with basic layers, and then let their minds and instruments gowild, and pulling out the stops between their influences. The resultsare mixed. It's certainly more experimental than anything they'vereleased before, and it's good for the band to escape their usualconfines and stretch. But most moments on the first disc do more topush away than invite. The annoying repition that opens 'Stumblin'Block' is not forgiven by that tracks middle or end; the chimingbeginning and vocalized middle of 'Camel Bell' are blown away by theinstrumentation of the track; and the struggling Middle Eastern vocalstylings of 'Tongue Drongue' go on far two long before its climaxredeems it. The first disc feels like Cerberus Shoal meets Fantomas.That's why the second disc is here to save the first's bacon. That'sright, the second disc of "Mr. Boy Dog" is fantastic. From the firstminute of 'Unmarked Boxes,' you recognize the sound. This is moretraditional Cerberus Shoal with gentle experimentation and interestingsamples. And that's where it comes together nicely. Rhythmically,melodically, and vocally superior, these tracks are truly moving intheir beauty. There is a nice separation between the two discs.Ultimately, I prefer the second, but I'm glad the band tries as they doon the first. I'm sure that's part of what makes the second soappealing.
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