CD Review

Critters Buggin may very well be the most heard about band you haven’t heard yet. Prior to percussionist Matt Dillon and saxophone wonder-kind Skerik being involved in every jam-happy collaborative this side of Les Claypool, Galactic, and Garage-A- Trois, Critters Buggin was their very own Seattle collective dating back to 1993. Although overshadowed by the Nirvanas, Pearl Jams and Soundgardens in the emerald city, Critters Buggin have returned from a lengthy hiatus with their entourage of freakish jazz on Stampede, their debut recording with Ropeadope Records.

Each member (which includes drummer Matt Chamerlain and bassist Brad Houser along with Skerik and Dillon) brought a pair of compositions in and developed them into adventurous sounds that subside with meaning after a number of earnest spins. Skerik’s ambient sax work dominates the dub opener “Hojo,” with hints at electronica and steers towards the double rhythm sounds that permeate the Buggin vibe. Avant-garde virtuosity, reminiscent of Chicago collective Tortoise, and their vibraphone splattered sound, gives Stampede an identifiable catch to work with, as it sets a full mood rather than stabbing you with stark statements of fusion and melody. “Panang” bounces between Dillon’s vibraphones and Skerik’s saxophone peeps, while string arrangements give the otherwise empty tune a fulfilling cinematic theme of sci-fi adventure. But “Cloudburst” fails to garner any spark, meandering in shallow waters, while “Persephone Under Mars” tries to illuminate motion picture commentary with its orchestrated strings to no avail.

Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard lends synth and guitar duties to the dub and electronic junk of "Toad Garden," which navigates through heady themes. On the furious “Punk Rock Guilt,” Skerik rips madness from his sax, in a head-banging jam. Stampede mellows towards the ends as Master Musicians of Jajouka give the final track an ode to spiritual zest. Critters Buggin gave the finger to the music industry to release Stampede on their own creative terms and this five year and waiting project shows the influences that each creative musician brings to the record. There are some sore spots, but this is a brave album, and promising a true second life for Critters Buggin.