Fontanelle Style Drift
Kranky Krank056 November 4th 2002
By Russell Garwood
Five piece Fontanelle hail from Portland OR, and release their aptly titled second release Style Drift on the fourth of November. Showcasing an intriguing, unusual and diverse sound, the album mixes funk (Herbie Hancock Headhunters era), rock (Spiritualized style) and electronic, minimalistic jazz elements into an ever-changing amalgamation of styles. Rather than becoming boring as can so easily happen with such eclectic music, Fontanelle hold your interest throughout and create powerful yet relaxing atmospheres with only keyboards, drums and guitar. The band comprises drummer Mat Morgan and Rex Ritter on guitar, while Brian Foote, Andy Brown and Paul Dickow are collectively responsible for the organs, synths and piano.
The guitars are generally waahed, off-beat and funky, with solid drums beneath which drive the music and effectively use fills and rests to highlight certain sections. The synths are used to create a spacey, electronic and relaxed feel, while the range of sounds emanating from them adds variety. Standouts include the chilled funk of Scissure, the catchy meandering title track, and jazzy opener Interstices.
This recording shows that Fontanelle, like their label, are not scared of experimentation. They pull off what could be a tricky album with ease - dreamy minimalistic, atmospheric soundscapes mixed with funk/jazz are a challenging combination! My only complaint is that, at times, the album can feel repetitive. Despite this Style Drift is very absorbing and will appeal to jazz, funk and electronica fans, and many others besides.
Kranky Krank056 November 4th 2002
By Russell Garwood
Five piece Fontanelle hail from Portland OR, and release their aptly titled second release Style Drift on the fourth of November. Showcasing an intriguing, unusual and diverse sound, the album mixes funk (Herbie Hancock Headhunters era), rock (Spiritualized style) and electronic, minimalistic jazz elements into an ever-changing amalgamation of styles. Rather than becoming boring as can so easily happen with such eclectic music, Fontanelle hold your interest throughout and create powerful yet relaxing atmospheres with only keyboards, drums and guitar. The band comprises drummer Mat Morgan and Rex Ritter on guitar, while Brian Foote, Andy Brown and Paul Dickow are collectively responsible for the organs, synths and piano.
The guitars are generally waahed, off-beat and funky, with solid drums beneath which drive the music and effectively use fills and rests to highlight certain sections. The synths are used to create a spacey, electronic and relaxed feel, while the range of sounds emanating from them adds variety. Standouts include the chilled funk of Scissure, the catchy meandering title track, and jazzy opener Interstices.
This recording shows that Fontanelle, like their label, are not scared of experimentation. They pull off what could be a tricky album with ease - dreamy minimalistic, atmospheric soundscapes mixed with funk/jazz are a challenging combination! My only complaint is that, at times, the album can feel repetitive. Despite this Style Drift is very absorbing and will appeal to jazz, funk and electronica fans, and many others besides.
