Search - Monstrance, Andy Partridge, Barry Andrews :: Monstrance

Apologies and Promises plus a little info that might help...

W. Wilkerson | Earth; waiting for a ride... | 05/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Apologies to those who have acquired this seeking an XTC / Andy Partridge project and/or vocals.

Promises of great listening to those who know what a ShriekBack is and why it is a remarkable thing. This is the foundation from which the next Shriekback disc will blossom into creation come early June 2007. Visit the Malicious Records web presence for a more detaile discussion of the coming wonders.

From the Monstrance notes - "... this music was improvised and recorded live in the Headroom studio at Swindon new College on the 17th December 2005 and the 13th and 14th February 2006 / there was no rehearsal or discussion about key, tempo or feel and no overdubbing, it just came out like this..."

ZenJoy"

A grower, but a rewarding excellent sprawl of music

Slowly Melting | Seattle, WA USA | 05/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you know XTC, you obviously know who Andy Partridge is. A few of you will probably know who original XTC keyboardist Barry Andrews is. Even fewer of you who followed Barry's career well into Shriekback will know Martyn was Shriekback's drummer.



"Monstrance" pretty much unravels any preconceptions one might have about the members' previous work in XTC and Shriekback. There's nothing nearly as catchy or orchestrated. This is the three tapping their likes of their more challenging inspirations like Captain Beefheart, Robert Fripp, King Crimson, The Residents, Henry Cow -- perhaps Edgar Varese. And a first listen may not immediately stick, and may sound too evasive.



However, if you trap yourself into listening to this at work or on a commute back home -- headphones will help -- "Monstrance" sounds far more rewarding. Now, this is one of my favorite 2007 releases so far.



For those who like it louder or more upfront, perhaps it's best to start with the second disc, as the music is louder there. That said, it's not any sweeter.. in fact, it's downright caustic.



For the record, I'm a huge XTC fan, so I've always heard Andy and Barry's subtle avant-garde touches in their music on "White Music" and "Go 2" (and later in XTC's career, Andy's underappreciated guitar talents.) However, even I had to store away the names "XTC" and "Shriekback" somewhere else in my brain in order to approach "Monstrance" the best way.



If you like the inspirations mentioned above, however, I immediately recommend this."

Former XTCers improvise instrumentals

David B. Hughes | Lincoln, Nebraska | 05/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Former XTCers Andy Partridge and Barry Andrews joined up with drummer Martyn Barker for some improvised instrumentals with a sound reminiscent of early XTC minus the vocals (think of XTC's Explode Together - The Dub Experiments 78-80). Even though I like this CD, I am eagerly awaiting a true Partridge solo CD with vocals."