TRACK LIST:
1. Craig Gets Reanimated 5:08
2. Zap Gun 1:30
3. Q+A 1:13
4. Imperial Enlightenment 9:18
5. Magnetic Objects 2:14
6. Android Coronation Ball 9:15
7. The Antidote Game 11:04
8. In the Hole 3:25
LINE UP :
Tom Aldrich - keyboards, piano, organ
Sean Moran - guitars
Chad Langford - bass
Theo Lanau - drums
Ivo Bol - samples, electronics
Prolusion.
Netherlands based band Zolder Ellipsis is the creative vehicle of US composer and musician Tom Aldrich, and where one begins and the other ends is perhaps a bit of an open question at times. That is certainly the case with the album "Entropy Override", originally released as an Aldrich solo album named "Zolder Ellipsis" back in 2019. A few years down the line the band Zolder Ellipsis was signed to Italian label Lizard Records, and they subsequently reissued this album under the Zolder Ellipsis band name, with the album given the new name "Entropy Override".
Analysis.
As one might suspect from the band name as well as the album title, this is a creation that is a little bit removed from the realms of more accessible progressive rock. A case might be argued on whether the album fits one category or the other too, as a case might be argued for this album to belong in a somewhat different category of music.
But in progressive rock circles, this is a production that will be filed somewhere in the avantgarde category of music. The opening two compositions are prime reasons for this categorizations, with the opening cut 'Craig Gets Reanimated' a compelling blend of jazzrock and what might be described as symphonic progressive rock, as explored inside of a distinct avant context. The following 'Zap Gun' use some of the same elements, but cranks the pace up quite a few notches and adds a fiery guitar presence to the proceedings.
Next up on the album are a couple of short minimalist takes on avant music that have less of a strict style placement to them, and wedged in between them we get a longer and more elaborate workout that in style, form and execution probably have more in common with free form jazz than progressive rock as such, with a chaotic orientation that comes with disruptive tendencies and a taste of deconstruction.
On the next two compositions of this production we return to landscapes that have more in common with the avant sections of progressive rock again, with noise effects and even a bit of scratching applied to material that to a lesser or greater degree revolve around a jazzrock core and with plenty of chaotic elements and also some deconstructive facets thrown in to a lesser or greater degree alongside a bit of a focus on chaotic interludes.
'In the Hole' concludes this album on a much gentler note, with a minimalist electric piano motif with field recordings gliding in and out of the soundscape.
This is an album that does take the listener on quite a ride. The music is demanding and challenging, with payouts on a regular basis but also with sections that have more of an abrasive touch and divisive expression to them. material that demands a certain type of listener, and that will feel alienating to others. A production to challenge and provoke the senses if you like, and occasionally also a challenge to overcome for the listener. Everything is well made of course, with a meticulous attention to detail, but this is also a production that will have a more limited reach and appeal.
Conclusion.
I come across people on a regular basis that bemoans the lack of original and challenging music released inside of the progressive rock spectrum. This is an album that appears to be tailor made for that specific audience. This is a production that is creative, expressive and challenging throughout, more often than not highly challenging and demanding at that. If you tend to enjoy instrumental progressive rock made and explored inside an unforgiving avantgarde context and find albums that demands a lot of you as a listener to be able to come to the rewards and the payout, "Entropy Override" is an album with your name on it. A quality production with a strict avant-garde expression and orientation.
Progmessor: January 2023
The Rating Room
