The Necks
Chemist
(Fish of Milk)
The Neck’s technique of recording and performance, is virtually free of any pre-conceived ideas. What an outstanding testament to their collective musicianship that their output has remained fresh and original for nearly 20 years. Known for their 60-minute journeys, the latest offering ‘Chemist’ is a departure somewhat, in that instead of one vast canvas, we are treated to a triptych of three by twenty-minute contrasting soundscapes. In another departure from their proven formula of piano, bass and drums, Europe based Tony Buck reveals a hidden talent and plays guitar on all tracks.
The first track ‘Fatal’ is reminiscent of some of their work of 10 years past. Rather than build intensity from a quiet essence into a powerful force, it’s actually turbulent from the outset and strengthens as Buck redoubles his rhythms and Abrahams layers his courses.
The second track ‘Buoyant’ retreats into a spacey atmospheric area spawned by a sequence of random early-bird Yamaha DX7 tweets. Swanton attributes much of the inspiration for The Necks music to the Miles Davis album ‘In a Silent Way’ and this piece is an ideal example. Think of a slowly revealing pre-dawn glow as the sun gently augments it’s early morning radiation to reveal its first ray of warmth.
The final on this album ‘Abillera’ is the least jazz inspired of the three although a brilliantly recorded chiming bass solo introduces it. The bass sound is so pure, you can hear the harmonics of each note. The guitar-based creation however, is probably the most ‘produced’ of the three and is indeed a danceable piece of pop art and is typical of their cult brand of sound.
While The Necks aren’t exactly re-inventing themselves, they continue to surprise, inspire and influence and this is a worthy 13th edition to their already impressive catalogue.
Note: This review is one of three that made up Peter Wockner’s winning submission to the 2006 National Jazz Writing Competition.
