Scaterd Few

Item: Grandmother's Spaceship
Author: Alex Klages

Grandmother's Spaceship

(1998)

Reviewed by Alex Klages

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Label Jackson Rubio RecordingsThe LighthouseUnsorted 1998

art rock hardcore punk punk reggae

Allan Aguirre, and his recently re-formed band, Scaterd Few, have come up with a breathtakingly artful album of loud music. Musical styles on the album range from hardcore to punk to reggae to progressive rock. This disparate collection of styles makes it hard to pin down exactly how to classify their overall musical attack, in the same way as labelmates Havalina Rail Company are hard to classify.

So, is Scaterd Few an art band with hard influences, a hard band with art influences, a reggae band with metal influences? Whichever it is (and I'm guessing a hardcore band with art influences), they are well worth a listen, even if this particular genre isn't your cup of tea.

Take, for example, the song "Vanishing," in which there is an extended, Middle East-flavored synthesizer entry, then a rather loud main theme, then a reggae tail to the song. Most bands would never dream of putting that sort of accumulation into one song. Maybe, just maybe, as a hidden track you might squeeze one style or another in, but not both. And, to emphasize the band's art influences, Aguirre sings a lyrical line which juxtaposes with the main line throughout the verses of the main song. Small wonder that this song spends several hours a day running through my head. Another big highlight on this album, for me, is the song "Suspension, My Love," which has a definite groove to it, and features some wonderfully laid back, David Bowie-esque vocals.

Musically, despite the various stylistic threads running throughout the album, there are certain chord progressions which reappear. While not expressly a concept album, certain aspects such as this add to the overall musical style of the album, giving it a good, tight, consistent feel. Russell Archer's guitar leads are powerful, and the two Steves, Martins and Meigs, give the rhythm section its drive, on drums and bass, respectively.

Lyrically, Aguirre uses social commentary, quotations from 1 Corinthians, Job, the Psalms, and the Gospels to weave together his lyrics. It's awfully hard to argue with insightful, Scriptural lyrics, regardless of what musical package they may be contained within. And, especially with songs such as "Arbitrator" and "Space Junk," the union of form and content is seamless, to my ears.

In skin You've clothed me, With bones You've knit me. Fearfully, wonderfully made, My only plea is mercy; Send us Arbitrator.

This segment of "Arbitrator" is rich lyrically, as the allusions are obvious, and the musical package has a minor, plaintive feel.

All in all, this is a very solid album, and probably a worthwhile addition to any hard rock fan's collection.