Bassplayer

Bassplayer represents another step down from the festive features of Crane Wars toward a severely more sedated form of post-rock. It lacks the vocals occasionally found on previous albums and the fast-tempo numbers of Crane Wars, but it remains a very good outing. Consisting of four ten-plus minute pieces (for a total duration of 45 minutes), this opus focuses on simpler arrangements and quieter moods. Despite the crawling pace ("My Love Is a Rhinestone Infused Dodecahedron" hits a new band record for "lowest bpm"), the songs are nicely structured, introducing change and shifts at a rate that keeps the listener from drifting off. The "building up toward a climax" tactics so often seen in post-rock are for the most part ignored, as is often the case with the Beans, in favor of more developed songs and varied arrangements. "Galuda" and "Number Four" are the key tracks on this release. "Galuda" is the most dynamic (although still mellow when compared to the material on Crane Wars) and ranks among the group's best compositions. "Number Four" shows how well the group can negotiate slower tempi without becoming too repetitive or cold. On the other hand, the aforementioned "My Love Is a Rhinestone Infused Dodecahedron" lingers on for way too long, lacks strong material and convincing playing, and cheaply resorts to a Godspeed-esque marching snare drum and inflating arrangements in its finale. Paradoxically, it underlines how well the group avoids these pitfalls elsewhere on this and their previous albums. Sadly, it also means that one fourth of the CD is uninspired. Nevertheless, Bassplayer has much to offer. ~ François Couture, Rovi