Review: THE BAKERTON GROUP – “El Rojo”

The Bakerton Group – “El Rojo” [Weathermaker]

If you’ve ever wanted to know what Clutch would sound like if they did away with vocals and followed their instrumental muse while channeling Hawkwind, this is your album. With help from Per Wiberg (Opeth) on keyboards and even an alto sax player named Raven on a couple of tracks (4, 10), it’s a groovy, funky, jazzy outing full of riffs that would not be out of place in anything their alter-egos concoct.

I initially felt that there were plenty of interesting moments, but without as high replay value, due largely in part to Neil Fallon jamming behind a guitar instead of spitting the cleverest lyrics this side of the Mississippi (he does arrive late in the album–and low in the mix–on 8 ). What I discover with time is just how well these songs stay in your head (this was fully realized when I saw them live and ‘sang’ most of the tunes after only casually listening for a month or so).

A sweet spot of experimental fun from some of rock’s most talented musicians, and an early pick for Best of 2009.

FCC OK … Try  2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8

1. Time Horizon
2. Chancellor
3. Peruvian Airspace
4. Bien Classico
5. Life on Lars
6. M(f)hS
7. Gigantowakhia
8. Work ‘Em
9. Last Orbit
10. Bill Proger’s Galaxy

Rating: