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Ectogram, "Electric Deckchair"
The fourth album from the Welsh experimental rock band Ectogram is a heavy going yet rewarding experience. Elements of angular post punk guitar playing are mixed with krautrock influenced rhythms (Ectogram being tour buddies with Faust make this no surprise) and some unusual “do I like it or hate it?” vocals to make a pair of intricate and fascinating CDs.
Ankstmusik
Electric Deckchair is best described as two albums and not a double album as the two discs are intended to be listened to as separate entities. Both would fit on a single CD but Ectogram decided not to cram it all onto one disc. This was a good call on their part as the music on both discs is quite dense and a lot to digest in one sitting. Splitting the material into two albums makes a lot more sense and allows for an easier listening experience.
Sing Something Complex starts off with “Daisy Rind,” which sounds like two bands rehearsing at the same time in the same room. One guitar and the drums work together to drive the song and another guitar plays slow, trebly notes that don’t fit with the song at all. It makes for an uneasy listen but at nearly ten minutes in length, it worked its way into my head and it was satisfying when it clicked into place. Apart from the 24 minute “Ptarmigan,” the rest of Sing Something Complex is a lot more accessible. “Small Things Crawling” is the best part of the disc; Ann Mathews’ difficult vocals work best here and the music is spot on (metallic, brittle guitars pierce through the mix beautifully). The aforementioned “Ptarmigan” is a little disorientating as for most of its length it feels more like a jam session rather than a finished song. However, after a few listens it becomes less intimidating and more enjoyable.
The second disc, Sing Something Sibilant contains more relatively straightforward rockers and as such it is easier to get into than the other. “Overstopped” sees the band on full throttle; there is a cracking feedback-laden guitar “solo” that reminds me of Lou Reed’s freakouts on White Light/White Heat if they were covered by Thurston Moore. The last track, “3 Fort in Asia,” is my favourite song from either disc. It’s another long song (verging on 20 minutes) and slowly builds up from a dreamy and laid back piece to something more fiery and potent. Unlike “Ptarmigan,” it is more focused which gives it more backbone.
Electric Deckchair is a great set of albums that requires a little work to get into but once I made that commitment, it was worth the effort. Although I must admit, the front cover brought back horrible memories of some awful prog albums that I have been subjected to in the past. I could have done without that!
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