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The more macabre pieces-- including the title number-- can be conveniently
found on the first record, whereas the second features more formulaic country-inspired
tunes. Such a contrast in style usually implies a lack of sonic direction,
but one Friends of Dean Martinez's traits is the ability to infuse their
characteristic sound with any genre that crosses their path. The slide guitar
still sounds like an amalgamation of Ennio Morricone and David Gilmour (circa
Meddle), and the band still has an affinity for ethereal reverb. Yet, there
are definite signs of progress littered throughout this collection. Such
is the case with "Main Theme," which features some of the most complex arrangements
to ever grace a Friends release. Dave Lachance and Brad Fordham have evolved
from an ample rhythm section backing the interwoven guitar play of Mike
Semple and Bill Elm to versatile contributors responsible for some truly
stellar dynamics. Over the years, Elm and Semple seem to have made a few
discoveries in their ever-constant pursuit of "subtlety," a long, elusive
attribute that, when achieved, greatly increases the effectiveness of their
work. And periodically, the band relies on gentle flourishes of mellotron
or organ rather than the typical slide guitar frenzy |
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that's commonly found at the center of the group's efforts. The songs are
a little more raw this time around, though not drastically enough to estrange
long-time fans. Rather, Friends of Dean Martinez appear to be rationally
developing the more experimental methods of sculpting noise they introduced
on Atardecer while preserving the sound of a band playing live. On the EP's
title cut, they succeed by adding tinges of psychedelia to their instrumental
lamentations. Elsewhere, on "Wichita Lineman," the orchestration offers
more diversity than on previous excursions. In this modern resurgence of
instrumental bands tentatively titled "post-rock," it's hard to retain an
individual style while still flirting with new, unexampled recipes for songwriting.
It's good to know that Friends of Dean Martinez are past the stage of dipping
their toes in the water and are on their way to realizing their full potential.
- Kevin Adickes, November 30th, 2001
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