Toronto – Medeski, Martin & Wood have just released their third installment in The Radiolarians series that begin in 2008. Since it is now 2009, that makes three albums in 2 years and a busy year for this progressive trio. This album fits well within the series and could best be described as a sometimes groovy, sometimes challenging and often rewarding fusion of electronica, rock, and jazz.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Radiolarians series is MMW’s conscious break from the industry standard write->record->tour loop. With this project the band decided to get together for brief writing retreats, then tour only that material and record afterwards. This led to a write->tour->record loop instead. The only thing more impressive would be if they could figure out how to record and tour before they even wrote a song! Message to MMW, if you want to take it to the next level, I suggest a figure out a record->tour->write loop. Now that would be impressive.

In all seriousness, it is nice to see a relatively established band mixing things up and trying new things. MMW played recently at the Toronto jazz festival and you can read our coverage of the show here. In a nutshell, I was mostly concerned that this new more intellectual MMW had left their traditional stoner following a little on the dazed side of confused. After sitting down and taking a good run at the entire Radiolarians series, not much as changed.

As I mentioned when reviewing their live set, MMW can sound like whatever they want to sound like. I like the weird polyrythms that they dream up. When you play with your listeners rythmic expectations, it can have a disorientating effect; often this is all part of the greater good. It can be put to great use by musicians who meander all around the beat then all of a sudden hits a big fat groove that can hit you like a ton of bricks. When done right, this effect can be positively cathartic.

When you hit that groove, you’re rewarding the listener for sticking it out with you. But listeners want to get comfortable before their ready to move on. All too often with MMW’s live performances, I felt that as soon as they hit a groove they were off to the beach trying to catch the next big wave. It’s like hiking all day just to finally reach a beautiful cabin halfway up the mountain; but instead of stopping to enjoy a cup of cocoa and refill your water bottle, you decide to dash for the top. Then you get to the summit, and instead of enjoying the view you decide to sprint back to the base station.

This being said, the Radiolarians series does offer a pretty interesting fusion of jazz, electronica, and other world influences. Some of it is clearly groove-inducing and is easily the type of music that can one can listen to while puttering around the house. Other parts air towards a more intellectual exploration that lacks universal appeal. After having seen MMW live twice and being relatively blasé about both shows, I have to say on the whole that their studio efforts are better received.

MMW is currently on tour promoting Radiolarians III.

 

 Undone - Medeski, Martin & Wood: Play Now