Discus: Tot Licht

Very tempting to describe this 8-piece unit as some sort of Indonesian MR. BUNGLE. Less frantic in terms of style, they don't have a singer as mad as Mike Patton but they do match the band in terms of virtuosity, eclecticism and heaving rocking. DISCUS' material is stunningly complex and varied, alternating between changing time signatures and calm, contemplative moments, sometimes in a matter of ten seconds. In addition to traditional rock instruments, they play violin, clarinet, bass clarinet, sax, flute and a variety of ethnic percussion instruments.

Both of their albums,"1st" and "...Tot Licht" (released in 1999 and 2003 respectively), are a veritable patchwork of jazz, fusion, Sundan traditional and Balinese music, contemporary classical and classical chamber, pop, pop jazz, prog rock, heavy metal and dissonant avant-garde. In short, the band tackles just about every imaginable genre that lies between PINK FLOYD and WEATHER REPORT. The vocals follow a similar pattern, featuring both male and female vocalizations that can be normal one minute and hysterical the next. This band truly defies all categories but given half chance, their material provides an intriguing, powerful, challenging and tremendously rewarding experience.

Highly recommended to the open-minded listener and to fans of extreme avant-garde. (prog archives)
play list:
1. System Manipulation
2. Breathe
3. Verso door duisternis tot licht
4. Music For 5 Players
5. Anne
6. PESAN
7. Misfortune Lunatic (bonus track)
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