Anthropods is the new band from American drummer and composer, Mark Holub. Holub, known mainly as bandleader of the acclaimed and Mercury Prize nominated Led Bib (www.ledbib.com) has with 'Anthropods' created his first project as a leader since starting Led Bib in 2003. While some of Holub's trademark Led Bib style is evident here, the album is full of contrasts, from pastoral beauty to dense free improvisation to heavy grooves, showcasing sides of Holub's work well beyond his work with his earlier group.
Holub elaborates, "I wanted to create something where the musicians felt free to try and determine what the band might sound like. I didn't want to be too prescriptive about where the band might go sonically. My first thought was to try and find instruments that perhaps by already being a slightly unusual grouping would make us not only sound different, but make us immediately think about where such a collection of instruments and musicians might be able to go sonically. It has been an amazing journey for myself as leader and composer, and I look forward to hearing how this band will further develop over the course of the touring."
Short punchy compositions like 'Forest Capers' remind us of the Led Bib sound, but the improvisation is more open, travelling in surprising new directions. Same goes for 'Pumpkin Patch', a track where we hear Holub's more groove-based writing, but in the improvising the band explores different territory. We also hear much more of the softer side of Holub's writing such as on tracks like 'The Bells', 'Home', and 'Sea' and in general this album puts this more reflective, poignant approach more front and centre. While much of the improvising on the album is very free, it is never fully abstract. There is always a deep connection between the players, as well as a connection to the compositions themselves which keeps the listener always somehow anchored to something. With this first release of this new five-piece ensemble, we get a glimpse into what these musicians have to offer the world and each other.
Mark Holub drums
Clemens Sainitzer cello
Irene Kepl violin
Susanna Gartmayer bass clarinet
Jakob Gnigler tenor sax
