Directions – Directions In Music

STARTING WITH A "giddy-up" rolling rhythm and never letting up on the infectious groove for the entire trip, DIRECTIONS IN MUSIC are yet another fine side project of post-rock mastery by Bundy K. Brown (Tortoise, Gastr del Sol), Doug Scharin (Rex, June of 44, Codeine) and James Warden (40K).

Eight songs without titles; tightly woven together producing an invigorating instrumental mood enhancer - introducing new ideas with just paired down guitar, drums, bass and very subtle, spacious, electronic whirlings, in and around solid song constructs. Often at times, a poppier version of Tortoise without the neo-jazz art-rock affectations and time signatures; rooted firmly in delicate melody truly relaxing and uplifting - never entirely embracing an "ambient" realm to work in. No tape manipulations or looping going on (with the exception of Song "6" mid-way falling into a minimal acoustic resonance, then rising again), just the warmth of guitar reverb and echo at a slow enough pace finding the notes evaporating into the background secretly. Song "8" finalizes the record where Song "6"s minimalistic solo acoustic guitar showed up - in brief - ending the record, in brilliant coda.

(The dead wax etching Side A: You must start somewhere. Side B: For peace, I started with myself - "Joe Shoe.")

CD issued in a clear jewel case with only a booklet, no tray card.