Giant Brain - Plume

  by Andrew Carver

published: 6 / 3 / 2007

Label: Small Stone Records
Format: CD

intro

Gripping psychedelic krautrock on instrumental debut album from new Detroit band, Giant Brain

Detroit band Giant Brain is all about the krautrock. The five instrumental songs on the trio’s debut album 'Plume' bear all the hallmarks of repeat listening to “motorik” outfits like Kraftwerk, Neu and Harmonia. They also share an uncanny resemblance to other krautrock-fixated outfits like Circle and its offshoot Pharoah Overload - lead track 'Ausgesetzt' would have been right at home on the former’s 'Andexelt'. Fortunately for fans of this genre, Giant Brain has more than the right influences; a finely honed sense of dynamics keeps the listener entranced through adrenalized guitar riffing, distorted drones, oddball loops and the titanic wigout of the finale of 'Krauter'. Band member Al Sutton has done production, engineering and mixing work for a variety of acts (indie groups the Laughing Hyenas, Don Caballero, Thornetta Davis, the Detroit Cobras and Big Chief, while major label stars like Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow have all called on his services at one time or another) and he’s given the album a powerful, layered sound. Ex-big chief guitarist Phillip Durr keeps things from sounding too mechanical with an expert handle on sustain and volume control. Al’s brother Andy rounds out the band, providing most of the bass while a handful of Detroit musos guest on drums, varying organs, a bit of guitar. 'Plume' is a gripping example of psychedelic motor rock, and another very bright light in the Small Stone label’s expansion from its stoner rock origins.

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