Search - Rumah Sakit :: Obscured By Clowns

Excellent introduction to accelerated instrumental indie roc

IRate | 03/23/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fine math rock release from underrated musicians show a refining on their sophomore approach to the hypnotic brand of challenging instrumental rock, articulating but not necessarily expanding the fundamental language for an off-timed splendor of abrasion that bands like Don Caballero helped pioneer. Proving nothing groundbreaking for fans of the intense niche, anyone not familiar with bands like Don but thirsty for musicianship will find this a worthy introduction to the style with an impressive hit list of brutal, angular assaults. As exemplified in a few final tracks, the band can take all that raw energy and properly translate it to stage, no easy feat given the general complexity and playful natures combined. While never truly capitalizing on some inherent brilliance to be found, this is still a highly focused overview of the impressive genre's provocative procedures."

Subtle changes in styles=subtle changes in smiles

Jeff Hodges | Denton, TX United States | 12/16/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As with their self-titled first recording, the introduction of Rumah Sakit's "Obscured by Clowns" sets the pace for the entire recording. This two-minute musical event called "Hello, Beginning, This Is My Friend...The End" sums up the overall strengths and weaknesses of this sophomore release. It quickly swells to thunderous cacophony, but lacks the focused intensity that was the hallmark of their debut.



The musically aware thirtysomething cannot help but appreciate the way that Rumah Sakit wears nostalgia on their conceptual sleeve. While the titles of their tunes reference the Doors, Devo, and Pink Floyd, Pink Floyd is probably the most perceptible addition to the influences exhibited on "Obscured by Clowns." Those that are familiar with Rumah Sakit's brand of hyper-intelligent math-rock might find this titular reference to be little more than lip service, but in comparison to their raucous and compelling first work, "Obscured by Clowns" is overall a more textural and sometimes mellow affair.



Rumah Sakit's distinctive brand of mathematically-driven punk rock is still intact, but their use of musical intensity is not as pervasive as on their self-titled debut. This is not to imply that "Obscured by Clowns" is not without its moments of intensity. While "Nobody Likes a Grumpy Cripple" and "Sausage Full of Secrets" both recall the energy of the first album, there are no tracks on the first album that mirror the soothing contemplation of "German Clock". This approach to Rumah Sakit's complex style seems to be absolutely appropriate in most cases.



However, it changes the feel of the album dramatically. In some ways, this stylistic change gives the listener the feeling that Rumah Sakit may have lost a little focus. While diversifying can be an effective way of progressing, in the case of "Obscured by Clowns" it ends up undermining the overall cohesiveness of the album.



The Lowdown: Although I believe that every album should be accepted on its own merit, I don't think that "Obscured by Clowns" would have been as inspirational to me as their first album had I experienced it first. While is pretty successful in incorporating more atmospheric territory into Rumah Sakits overall ouvere, there are times when the concepts that drive these excursions become fuzzy and threaten to lose the interest of the listener. However, I do find it to be an enjoyable listen and a welcome addition to Rumah Sakit's limited repertoire."