Derek & The Ruins
Saisoro

★★★½

An unlikely trio that works like a quantum computer with a mind of its own. Absolutely chaotic but in the way technology can be. It's not primal or barbaric, it's a chaos that was started with purpose. Bailey has been known to work with people from all different musical circles and working with Ruins was a great choice. And this being Ruins first time making improvised music is also quite the feat, they seem much more experienced. 

Right from the start you can tell that all the members work off each other really well, complimenting each action with their own. And once the vocals hit on "Shivareyanco", Bailey begins to act like the guitar version of a vocoder for each of the random mutterings made from the drummer's mouth. It rumbles into other spaces that I haven't really heard Ruins go, Bailey has however. 

It's powerfully driven but in this completely capable and awesome communication between players, something is lost. To me it feels like their ability to stand out as individuals is greatly diminished and they quickly become part of this machine that really plays around but goes nowhere that is truly challenging or unexpected. It might be due to the limitations of their instruments but that's not really an excuse. 

Not to say that it brings it down as a whole, there are still some great moments and in general it's definitely worth listening to. The first half of "Dhamzhai / Sytnniwa" is so groovy and unlike anything else on the album, with a bass line that drops you to the ground. I wish there were more vocal freak outs too but you have to savor the little moments I guess.

Favorite Song: Odangdoh

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