Fridge - Sevens And Twelves

Fridge is one of those groups who would have a much larger following if they a bigger distribution. Combining post rock sounds and electronic sounds in a way that's not completely unlike something Tortoise (except for much more varied), the only way that the groups work has been available up to this point is buying on import. Sevens And Twelves is really a compliation of sorts, culling together the different tracks from the groups first 6 or so 7 and 12 inch singles (hence, the title). Because of the variety and the amount of music that you get on the release, it's probably also one of the best places to start in terms of listening to the group.

The release starts off with the very repetitive, 15 minute track called "Anglepoised." With a simple titter-tatting drum machine backing and some cool bass work, the track really only changes through the other atmospheric elements that are added throughout the track. It's slow and trippy and might just lull you off. Taking a 180 degree turn, the very next track on the album is "For Force," a track with buzzing analog synths and live drumming that sounds like it could have been taken from Add N to X's album Avant Hard. Things take a more live instrument sound on the next track ("Astrozero") as well. If it weren't for the happy little twinkling electronics sprinkled in the track, it might sound like Mogwai.

The group isn't done with the listener yet, though, and drop some sonic thunder on the feedback and horn laden "Jessica." It's post rock via hard rock, and shows the group can turn up the volume and still keep things interesting. Turning in yet another direction, "Simple Harmonic Motion" sounds like windchime dub while the first disc closes out with touches of stringed instruments (and a chopped-up and reconstructed Windows startup sound) on the beautiful, lingering "Sequoia."

The second disc keeps up the style-jumping tendencys (but never that it becomes disconcerting) with tracks like the free-range blip jazz of "The Traps," another harder-edged track in "Must Be Magic," the shuffling off-kilter lounge of "Fisa," or the completely blissed-out sounds of "Distance."

With 18 songs and nearly 2 hours worth of music, it's a trip through many different musical landscapes. If you like any of the bands mentioned above in comparison, you'll surely find several things and more to keep you interested here. It's post rock and more, and the cool thing is that all the members of the band are in their early 20s. We can only hope to hear more.

Rating: 7.25

back