Music Theory, You Said?

Thee Silver Mt. Zion just released Kollaps Tradixionales, their sixth studio album, the first with David Payant at drums, and also the first under the name of Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra. Well, yeah, actually this is their name, but they had so many names that I was afraid to write it entirely, you never know when they'll change it again. But let's quit joking and focus instead.

I guess it would seem accurate now to start and describe each of the seven tracks on the album. However, I won't, as this album is not just a simple collection of songs. You realise that even from the first song, the fifteen minutes long There Is Light. Or maybe it would be more appropriate to say "songs", as the musical theme changes at least once. It soon gives the impression of a Russian doll – right when you think it all came to an end you discover that there is actually something more inside.

And while we're here, I'd like to say a few words about the instrumentals. As you might know, Efrim Menuck did this project because he wanted to learn some music theory. Of course he gave up the original idea, and listening to this album I can see precisely why he did so. Creativity does not need lessons. It is incredibly amazing what some of us can do with a guitar, a violin and some drums. You can feel it in the air, the passion, the rage, the anxiety, the hope, the sadness – they're all there, and, once in a while, human voices, sometimes whispered, other times strong and clear, some other times desperate. It's a sound that makes you forget even the possibility to skip tracks (which would not be recommended anyhow, as this album can be fully appreciated only if listened as a whole).

At the end (and maybe in spite of what I've said before about music theory), this album makes you think at classical music (and not only because the band is called Memorial Orchestra). It's great, and anyone knows it's great, but it's not something that can be tasted every day with the same intensity. You also have to be in the mood.

*photo courtesy of Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra official site