tri-pod
| Format | CD |
| Country | USA |
| Recorded | 2000 |
| Issued | 2001 |
| Label | private |
| Cat no. | - |
| Playing time | 45:09 |
| Reviewer | Sven Eriksen |
| TRI-POD tri-pod |
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Tri-Pod is an American trio with a quite original line-up consisting of 12 string bass, sax/clarinet/flute and drums, plus bass pedals and vocals. You might think such an instrumentation would give a dull and thin sound, but that is definitely not the fact.
The music can be described as a pop version of Van Der Graaf Generator with a touch of psychedelia, catchy and swinging. Keith Gurland's saxes and woodwind are always in the foreground. Clint Bahrs 12 string bass alternates between guitar and bass, and Steve Tobin works frenetically, but still disciplined behind the drums. No Side Of Maybe is a fresh pop tune, while As The Sun gives us a mourning sax melody played over deep, mighty string sounds. Altogether an exquisite and energetic result, and a standout moment on the record.
Gurland manages in an impressive way to always play intelligent melodies, and he makes the music interesting in spite of having the only instrument in the band carrying melodies. The rather hard instrumental expression combined with a soft vocal give, for example on Suite, an association to 90s King Crimson.
The record constantly moves between the raw and heavy and the soft and fragile, and the music is performed with authority and enthusiasm. Tri-Pod's strength is the high standard of their musicians and songwriting, and this record is a solid statement of their creativity and musicality. Recommended.
© 2002 Tarkus Magazine