Prog rock Cosmopolitics

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

By Aaron Davis

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Atmospheric prog rock isn’t the most recognizable of contemporary genres, but fans of early Yes, Zappa, and modern bands like Umphree’s Mcgee, Tool and Primus know a bit about this road less traveled.

Lawrence, Kansas’ Cosmopolitics give composition treatment to riff rock, creating an instrumental bed of non-lyrical dodges and weaves.

The intro to their Web site puts it plain and simple: “We will always work our asses off to bring you the best possible product we can.” Their current tour comes in anticipation of the band’s second album, Mental Hygiene, with a proposed January release. The album will consist of 10 new songs, with tour sets featuring a mix of the band’s work, and a few tunes sampled from drummer Luke Stone’s solo work.
Guitarist Matt Gader is the primary composer for Cosmopolitics, which formed out of jam sessions while attending University of Kansas in 2004.

Gader’s tunes are groove oriented, written for a trio format with plenty of breathing room.

“We’re always working on having more of an atmospheric build up with various delays—before the song reaches the guitar solo,” Gader said. “We get out there on some jams, but most of the soloing is structured.”

Cosmopolitics released its freshman album, Video-Sin-Chronic in 2006, exposing its funk and jazz fusion influences and highlighting the nuances that each member brings to their sound. Since then, they’ve been invited to Wakarusa festival each year and continue to work the Northwest circuit.

“We’re trying to keep original music alive, and we’re not deterred by trends in the music industry,” Gader said.

To understand where Cosmopolitics are coming from artistically is to contemplate where “prog” rock originated in the first place. Psychedelic rock of the 60s spurred the new sub tag by testing rock’s technical and compositional boundaries, going beyond the typical verse-chorus based song structures and incorporating classical, jazz and world music. King Crimson was one of the first bands of the era to embrace the term.

Contemporary bands that perform predominantly instrumental music, like Medeski, Martin & Wood, Galactic, Soulive, and lesser known outfits of the same thread—like former local soul-jazz outfit Fat Albert—consist of highly trained musicians that use central melodies in lieu of lyrics.

Cosmopolitics are no different, and their recordings are evidence (try “The Silent C” from their first album, streamed at cosmopolitics.net).

“We enjoy the whole road trip aspect of touring, the thrill of playing for a new crowd each night and getting to see the country,” Gader added. JHW

Catch Cosmopolitics in action at 10 p.m. on Saturday at the Knotty Pine, 58 South Main Street, Victor. $5 cover. 208-787-2866.

Courtesy photo
Cosmopolitics from Lawrence, Kansas.

PERMALINK:
Prog rock Cosmopolitics | Planet JH News Article: Music Box

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