The name, and to some extent the all-instrumental sound, of ex-Giant Sand guitarist Bill Elm's band inevitably invites use of the term "lounge music." But when Elm plays a weeping pedal steel over a burbling organ, the flavor is more Southwestern than, well, wherever all those lounges are. What Retrograde slowly and gently wraps itself into is more like a moody road-film soundtrack than anything. It's languorous, thoughtful, sad music; the group's cover of The Beach Boys' minor hit "The Warmth Of The Sun" is sorrowful, and originals like "Ask The Dust" and the title track are long, drawn-out, heavy sighs of remorse. Like Scenic, Friends Of Dean Martinez isn't afraid to make pretty instrumental songs, and parts of this album are downright beautiful. As vocal-less rock continues its little comeback, Retrograde should stand out as noteworthy for being at once quiet, sentimental, and utterly impossible to regard as mere background music.
Friends Of Dean Martinez: Retrograde
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2024-11-21 15:13:16