The PhiLL(er)



Of Natural History Cover
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum

Of Natural History
Mimicry Records

SGM offers a head-spinning, peerless blend of the avant-hard and tongue-in-cheek art rock. If you liked the group's first studio album Grand Opening and Closing, you will love this. This group, which includes Carla Kihlstedt of Tin Hat Trio, is known for its relentless touring and that road effort honed this material to a fine edge that cuts through the spineless rock reductionism of today's indie rock crop. It also offers intellectual fodder for the listener to ruminate as "…the human race with technology is like an alcoholic with a barrel of wine." Sometimes comparisons are made to Meshuggah and Mr. Bungle for the group's sound. That is true enough but needs to be blended with inspiration from Zappa, GWAR, and Barkmarket. The music is memorable, moving and inspiring.