The Benevento/Russo Duo's new album Play Pause Stop is easily going to be near the top of my "Best Album's of 2006" list. Just about a month ago the Duo dropped it while on tour with Trey Anastasio and Mike "Cactus" Gordon as the rhythm section to GRAB aka Mike and The Italians. Since I picked it up on emusic PPD has been my most-played album (at least twice a day). It is simply fantastic.
This album marks a departure for the Duo from the sounds of their first studio album, Best Reasons to Buy The Sun. Whereas Best Reasons takes your ears on a delightfully dark and very experimental jazzy-jam-rock odyssey, PPD plays like an instrumental indie-rock anthems juke-box. The album is most effectively described on the band's website:
Yes, it is a rock album — but there is no guitarist, no bassist, and you can sing along even though there are no words.
It is amazing how just two individuals - just four arms - can sound more powerful and melodic than many of their contemporaries; even more so without a bass and a guitar. Even more impressive are the conversations Marco and Joe have instrumentally - harmonizing each other perfectly. This is evident from the first song of the album "Play Pause Stop" (download). Joe's drums provide the perfect backing to Marco's melody - very anthemic. This epic song shortly drops into a brief jam section before returning gloriously to the original theme.
Do yourself a favor and check out this album.
Catch the Duo in the city on August 28th as Part of the Rocks Off Boat cruise when they play as Bustle In Your Hedgerow. Show info:
Monday, August 28th
World Yacht Marina on 41st and West Side Highway
Ticket Information: $30 adv/$35 dos. Purchase Tickets here.
Doors: 7:00 pm
Show: 8:00 pm; 18+Bustle in Your Hedgerow features Marco, Joe, Dave Dreiwitz (Ween) and
Scott Metzger (Rana, Particle)TBD delving into the Zeppelin songbook
Justin also reviewed the album. Head over to his Live Music Blog to read it and download three tracks from the album.