On November 3rd much of the West Coast wandered around in a gloomy haze, pondering the next 4 years under the dark cloud of the George Bush "regime". In San Francisco the cloud hung over the city and dripped with tears of a million people - but there was a small consolation: People came together to reflect and share in a positive, healing musical experience by the Bay area's Secret Chiefs Trio. Lead by the under-appreciated talents of Mr. Bungle guitarist/songwriter, Trey Spruance, and a supporting cast of amazing Bay area musicians - the Chiefs played a chilling middle-eastern flavored set of modern jihad and rock flavored music that could not have been more fitting on this sad day. It had been several years since Spruance brought the live incarnation of his project before the people - and his timing could not have been more appropriate. It was refreshing to see young people of the West embrace the sounds of the East and weave them together to bring a unique and fresh sound that further illustrates the "one world" we live in. A big thank you to Trey for the performance. Live sounds from the show are currently being administered - keep your eyes peeled here for news.
Headliner for the evening were labelmates, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, who layed out a very heavy, theatrical performance not for the faint hearted. Formally known as Idiot Flesh, The Museum's impressive instrumental array includes many homemade devices suggestive of the avant-garde. Having little in common with those who have marred the field, whether mere arty obscurists, jock-like musical gymnasts, or high-brow snoots, SGM certainly have a varied audience and skillfully embrace their role as entertainers. Even though the band boasts heavy-hitters like Carla Kihlstedt (Tin Hat Trio) and Nils Frykdahl of Faun Fables, this is a band that survives and thrives supremely through heavy touring, and in the process has amassed a devoted (to say the least) following.
Check the Web of Mimicry website for more info. on both of these fine bands.
