The [ Montalban Quintet ] took me by surprise. Being familiar with the members’ other projects “ [ Pinback ] ~ [ No Knife ] ~ [ Boilermaker ] and others” I had certain expectations. It is really something else entirely. Of course, with this lineage of San Diego indie rock music there are traces of the regional sound, yet I have never heard anything quite like this. I absolutely love this album.
[ Montalban Quintet’s ] music is difficult to describe and impossible to categorize. In most cases horns have replaced the role of lead vocals and the vocals have taken the place of the horns. Strange and unexpected indeed. There is an interesting collage of sound including tape loops, various guitars, bass, drums, vibraphone, trumpet, saxophone, cello and an ethereal choir. Each section unfolds into the next as if the album is a continual piece of music.
There are elements of African music, minimalism, cinematic orchestral music, jazz and experimental rock. A combination that sounds like it might not work, yet it succeeds completely. [ Montalban Quintet’s ] debut album is a very strong release by a great new band. Perhaps the best thing you’ve never heard before… Check it out, you won’t be sorry.
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This self title includes the drummer from [ Pinback ] along with [ Kenseth Thibadeau ] and other members from past projects like [ No Knife ] and [ Sleeping People ]. Imagine the immediacy of Pinback, coupled with experimental jazz, great samples, and almost spaghetti western like influences. Check out the preview below “Feast Of The Manioc”.
– Mog’