Hash Jar Tempo - Under Glass
(Drunken Fish)
Hash Jar Tempo is a collaboration between New Zealander Roy Montgomery and
Philadelphia's
Bardo Pond. Since Bardo Pond has a much heavier sound than Roy, it's not a surprise
that their
presence is more obviously felt than his. Also, there are five members of Bardo
Pond and only
one Roy Montgomery. However, this does not sound like the usual Bardo Pond. It's more
similar to
their long drone songs such as the one on the Harmony of the Spheres where the song
is less
tangible with the thick cloud masking the tones, creating an overall feeling
instead of an
obviously coherent chord structure.
On this album, Montgomery plays keyboard (on their first album, Well Oiled, he played
guitar). He fits
in well using the keyboard to add another layer to the thick wall of guitar
drone.
Sometimes he sticks his head out with something more obviously "Roy." Though, "less
Bardo
Pond" is probably more accurate because he blends in with the Bardo Pond sound
perfectly.
Both of Hash Jar Tempo's albums are superb which makes this easily one of the best
collaborations I'm familiar with. I look forward to more Hash Jar Tempo albums, and
hope that
both Bardo Pond and Roy Montgomery continue to drone out like this more often.
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