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Forgotten Fish Memory Orchestra | Iron Shoes

The Forgotten Fish Memory Orchestra doesn't need a theater show to fascinate.
CD, No-Bo

Tekst: Thomas van Schaick

Publicatiedatum: 19 november 2002

One day I got this CD from a barkeeper in Amsterdam. He told me it was his band's first full length album. And most importantly, that I shouldn't expect the average, while listening, but something rather strange. The black and white picture of the musicians in the booklet sure looks strange: dressed up like scarecrow figures, with anonymous masks and high hats, playing flutes and beating on drums, while standing on the moon. But what about the music?

Iron Shoes starts with 'Retribution,' a collage of old tube radio hiss and snippets of broadcasts. It makes you feel like you're in an old submarine, listening to secret frequencies. Land ho! It seems we've reached Slovakian ground, with a traditional instrumental called 'Bratislav Nigun,' a happy folk tune. Is this a joke? I can't help expecting a Mr Bungle-like interruption every moment, but none of that happens. We dive underwater, and off we go to the Far East to witness the 'First Japanese Landing on the Moon.' Block flute, cello, and box harp, again with spooky radio-transmitted voices — a completely different atmosphere. And the next moment it's time to boogie all the way with the 'Three cornered hat dance'.

The variation of music styles and instruments on this album is so overwhelming that it's easy to get lost. In a positive way, that is, it's like an adventure. Fascinating to hear all these different influences and atmospheres. Where did these young lads get the inspiration from, to make this mix of folk and avant-garde music? Most likely it's their theater-focussed point of view that makes the difference. The band has a habit of performing at strange locations; for instance, in a laundromat and at theater festivals.

The accordion-driven tracks on Iron Shoes actually recall another theater act: the Dogtroep backing band. But while the Dogtroep band, with their recognizable sound, depends on the theater act to elicit maximum conv iction, the Forgotten Fish Memory Orchestra doesn't need a theater show to fascinate. Their musical performance is a fascinating trip itself.

http://www.kindamuzik.net/recensie/forgotten-fish-memory-orchestra/iron-shoes/2075/
Meer Forgotten Fish Memory Orchestra op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/forgotten-fish-memory-orchestra