What makes a band great? Good looks? Killer licks? Catchy hooks? Well, I think we all know better than that. Aside from the obvious choices, the music that fills me with awe, grabs my heart and fertilizes my brain is always full of mystery. If you think about it, a song, much like the best works of art, is an entity that has come into existence through the emotional and chaotic experience of its creator or creators. While much of today’s pop music can be viewed as "Paint by Numbers" songs, some contemporary bands like Radiohead, Califone, Neutral Milk Hotel, Pinetop 7 and Denver’s The Czars paint abstract landscapes that unveil the depths of human emotion without seeming didactic or contrived. Technically, anything could be mysterious, but it’s like comparing the Hardy Boys to Sherlock Holmes. The best kind of mystery is not only an invitation to ponder the creation, but extends your thoughts back into the chaos of its origin.
The Czars, judging from a film on their website in which each of the five members makes deep confessions about his life, are very serious about their music, and it shows. Music like this, for me at least, can’t be taken lightly. It demands your attention. The Czars bring this depth and contemplation into view with Music from the film I’d Rather be Gone, released as part of Absalom Recordings' 3" (those tiny, cute CD’s) Subscription Series, which also includes the likes of Songs: Ohia and Calexico.
Although nothing is mentioned about the film, the four songs here are cinematic enough. The first song, "Interlude", is an intricately sparse instrumental with a minimally jazzy piano, rolling drums and distant electronic noises riding a repetitive guitar melody. This shows, right off the bat, that these guys know how to appreciate space and complement each other’s talents without stepping on each other’s toes, creating a darkly beautiful ambience.
"Drug", the second song, is an all-acoustic ballad that introduces John William Grant’s absolutely haunting vocals. Here, Grant sounds like an older Jeff Mangum, or at times a more contained Tim Buckley; his harmonies and presentation are confident and powerful, yet seem to be done effortlessly. The lyrical imagery may seem familiarly depressing, but it always turns in stranger directions: "You are a drug to me, I never ever thought it otherwise. And I love the lies you told to me while looking me directly in my eyes. This is not ecstasy, but it’s better than cocaine."
"Accident" brings the band back for a noisy march and more troubled imagery. The song turns from a loose Waits-ian jaunt into a fiery chorus where violins swirl, pianos pound and guitars grind as Grant chants "Won’t you get this sickness out. Of. My. Head." Then back to a sparse fade out. The EP ends with "Lullaby 6000", another beautiful acoustic ballad.
If you want to hear The Czars, and you should, try picking up their last full length, Before…..But Longer if you can’t find this limited edition subscription-only EP. All the ingredients are here: musicianship, creativity, restraint, willingness to experiment, emotion...and of course, mystery.
The Czars are a great band.
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