Search - Coalition :: Naked Movies

Infectious

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 04/19/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Entirely wacky, and certainly worth a listen or two. Conjuring the ghosts of Weather Report, electric Miles, Tribal Tech, and various and sundry guitar-hero groups, The Coalition works on a number of levels.



First, they've managed to walk a fine line between retro and futuristic, the former exemplified by old-tech keyboards such as Fender Rhodes, Farfisa organ, and clavinet, the latter by up-to-the-minute electronic manipulation such as Ableton Live, vibulator, and various secret devices. The results walk the line between the eerily familiar and weirdly spacey.



Second, they've made a grand attempt--and largely succeeded, it must be said--to rein in their not insubstantial chops in favor of a true group sound. Thus, this effort is more about creating a unique and vibrant soundscape rather than trotting out shopworn guitar heroics or ur-funky keys moves. Not that there aren't some rather amazing fretboard pyrotechnics on tap now and again (check out Glenn Alexander's solo on "Beatnik Bob," also featuring some way funky keyboard and drums), but that's not what's driving this disc.



Third, these guys are all simply astounding players. Bass guitarist Mike Merritt is the son of former Jazz Messenger and Lee Morgan bassist, Jymie Merritt, and with keysman Healy a regular in the Max Weinberg 7, Conan O'Brien's TV band. Glenn Alexander possesses some of the wickedest e-guitar chops on the planet, here somewhat back-burnered in favor of the apposite mood-approach, but nevertheless often enough on display to remind listeners that he's a monster player. The ringer is drummer and "electronic voodoo" manipulator Shawn Pelton, a veteran of both the Tonight Show Band and uncounted studio sessions, who kicks things up to a whole 'nother level with his nasty kit work and sly electronics.



These boys are the real deal. Check 'em out. ****1/2"