Search - French Frith Kaiser Thompson :: Invisible Means

Second time's the charm

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 10/13/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The second album from the cult "Supergroup" of John French (Captain Beefheart), Fred Frith, Henry Kaiser and Richard Thompson is nearly as catchy and consistent as its predecessor. Opening with Thompson's "Peppermint Rock" which features a stumbling drum beat and the chiming guitars of John French's "To The Rain" "Invisible Means" is a mixture of genres. "Now That I Am Dead" by John French and Donna Blair French continues the humorous vein that began with the band's bizarre cover of "Surfin' U.S.A." It's a highlight and was later adopted by Thompson for performance in some of his shows.



Thompson's mini-rock opera "March of the Cosmetic Surgeons" out does Pete Townshend for humor and clocking in at less than six minutes doesn't wear out its welcome. The traditional "Loch Lomond" gets a nice rocking interpretation while the album closes with Richard Thompson's disturbing and powerful "Killing Jar".



I keep hoping that this quartet might get together and release a third album. You never know quite what to expect from these talented musicians."