Altered Zones

Master Musicians of Bukkake-- a name which I like to think refers to the "Japanese method of serving various types of noodles, in particular udon" -- are a collective of some 20 musicians from the greater Seattle area. It's hard to say who forms the core of this little cohort, but floating somewhere in its orbit are the likes of Sunn O))) and Boris producer Randall Dunn, members of Earth and Secret Chiefs Three, and Alan Bishop from Sun City Girls. On previous releases, Master Musicians have fused their thick and sludgy psychedelia with Krautrock and Hindustani templates. On the ominously occult-titled "Prophecy Of The White Camel/Namoutarre"-- a track from Totem 3, their latest release on Important Records-- glassy wahs and heavy, stunted riffage give the foundation, and Tuareg-inspired chants burst forth. The repetition of the mantra, almost ritualisitic in effect, drives the track forever further into the heart of the Saharan desert, as the throbbing sun leaves you in a dazed reverie, and the colours begin to swirl endlessly around you. Get on that white camel and ride. -- Daniel Gottlieb, Altered Zones

MP3: Master Musicians Of Bukkake: "Prophecy Of The White Camel/Namoutarre"

Totem 3 is out now via Important Records