Customer Reviews

Antifogmatic

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

...it probably does not need to be said, but I'll say it: there is no song-driven ensemble on the planet with the technical prowess, dynamic range, and unbridled adventurous spirit of the Punch Brothers. There is really nothing they can't play, no style they can't knowlingly reference, no time signature too tricky, no structure too convoluted, no volume too soft or too loud. It's all quite staggering, and the idea of finding or creating a music equal to their skills is equally daunting. I mean, you can play anything, so what do you play?

This is their first collectively conceived album -- the prior disk mostly consisted of a suite written and very carefully arranged by mandolinist and bandleader Chris Thile. That five such distinct voices came together to create something this compelling and singular is a grand achievement in and of itself. This is truly kaleidoscopic stuff: throw any old conceptions of verse/chorus/bridge out the window: sections emerge and fade, new music is introduced at surprising coordinates, instrumental roles are transposed and reconfigured at will. Thrilling stuff. Thile is also revealing himself to be a quite engaging vocalist and daring lyricist.

So, sure, it's bluegrass instrumentation, but this is stringband music fashioned from the same maverick, virtuosic spirit that lead Bill Monroe to create it in the first place: a spirit woefully departed from most modern bluegrass, which has instead -- for the most part -- become a bastion of conservative musical stagnation. Not for the faint of heart.

I did reserve the last star, though...paradoxically, I found an entire album of relentless innovation to be just a wee bit exhausting. I was kinda hoping for one or two straight up pop songs amidst the intricate, off-kilter creations, to focus the band's skills and make it all just a bit more relateable, to allow the listener to appreciate the Punch Brothers gifts in a more traditional context. There's no such track(s) on this album, although a few come close...

That said, buy this. These guys deserve to be heard. No one is operating at this level.

This is the third album featuring Punch Brothers in some form another - the first being How to Grow, and the second being Punch - but in my mind, really the first true album from the group. How to Grow was still a bit of a Thile solo effort and had an abundance of covers; if nothing else it showed the group's obscene potential. Punch was an excellent 'official' debut, but that album was divided in half - over forty minutes of the album were taken up by Thile's rather excellent string quintet piece, "The Blind Leaving The Blind", while the last fifteen or so were group compositions. While Punch was a good album, it felt rather fragmented because of the clear subdivision of labor in the group; there were clearly two musical identities of the group. So this album, Antifogmatic, is in my mind their first pure musical statement of what the Punch Brothers can really do. And oh my god...what a statement.

The group presents a much more comfortable sound and picture of themselves on Antifogmatic - naturally so, for this album consists of nothing but group compositions. More traditional listeners might be put off by the album's weirdness at points - the group has no problem fiddling around in layers upon layers of dissonance, or storming through obscene chord changes at a blistering tempo. One might be tempted to label this as pretentiousness, or talent and technical skill gone horribly awry. Not so. To put this album in perspective, the listener has to understand the group itself. First off, the group is young and clearly loves itself. They know they've got something special, and they definitely feed off each other's musicianship in an atmosphere of giggling, goofy musicians coming up with obscene ideas. Second, each member of the group is a complete virtuouso on their respective instrument. They have each spent most of their lives in the music world, and their knowledge of their instruments and their sound is unrivaled. Third, the composing process was apparently a very open-ended ordeal, where each band member would bring in ideas and the group would work with them. This makes so much sense to me. I can just picture the group in the room. No theatrics, pretension, just someone coming in with a crazy idea like, "Dudes check this out! I came up with this messing around last night!" (some ridiculously complicated lick is played) and the rest of the group going, "OH SH- THAT'S AWESOME! Yo alright hold up, let me try something with that...uhmmm..." (some perfectly fitting part is played by another member) "Oh hell yea man, that's awesome! Hey we got something here", and thus the absurdly complex end of Me and Us was born, or something like that. The album just reeks of unbelievable, uninhibited musicianship, perfectly in sync with each other, going crazy with good ideas. So this album strikes me as very natural and very fun, no matter how musically twisted it gets.

The last thing I want to address about this album is that no matter how complicated the songs get, these are ultimately pop songs. Make no mistake. There is clear structure to each song - choruses, verses, bridges, repeated motifs, whatever you want to call it. And the group is clearly trying to compose things that are catchy and sound good, in addition to being technically absurd. Their technicality is just a means to better express their crazy ideas. So one side of that is that (for example) even during the twisted later verses of Woman and the Bell, the group still manages to compose melodies that make you go, "Wow that's wacky! And catchy!" The other side is that you'll get little snatches of craziness during what seems like a straight-forward section, like the weird atonal hits in the verses of Rye Whiskey (one the first time, two the second, three the third...). What this does is keeps everything accessible and catchy, for it's easy to discern song structures, but keeps the listener on his toes for the incredible complexity of the catchiness he or she is listening to. You can just let the album wash over you and enjoy the songs without thinking and sing along to your favorite passages, or you can listen closely to each instrument and how melodic lines weave in and out of each other, the tricky rhythmic phrasing (what the hell Woman and the Bell), or the passing of melodic lines between instruments (Don't Need No). There's a lot to sink your teeth into in this album. Whether you want gorgeous songs and impeccable songwriting, or absurd dissonance and wild melodic ideas, it's all there. But in the end these are pop songs. Just really wacky, off the wall pop songs. A word of warning: when I say the album is catchy and these are pop songs, parts of it are catchy in the way some might find The Rite of Spring catchy (which I do)...which means others may find parts of the album totally hideous. There probably is unfortunately a musician's minimum you have to have to enjoy this album fully, but still, there's plenty of easier passages to enjoy. The group probably listens to more Radiohead and Joanna Newsom than Bill Munroe nowadays, and that should till you plenty about whether you will enjoy this album. Don't mind getting lost in the dissonance and soundscapes, occasionally resurfacing to glorious catchiness? I'd ask the same question about In Rainbows or Kid A, and recommend those albums to people based on the answer just like I would this album.

I'm aware this review may not help readers very much; I've more just elaborated on certain aspects of the group and the album as I see it. So to amend that...if you like Bela Fleck, Igor Stravinsky, Radiohead, or Porcupine Tree and especially Steven Wilson's solo album, get this album. If you like adventurous acoustic music pushing the pop structure to its limit, get this album. If you like supreme musicianship and command of instruments, get this album. Just get this album.

PS: I've never been much of a lyrics dude, but what I've read seems quite self-aware and honest. Sometimes a little surreal, especially coupled with the music. Find another review for that though.

The Punch Brothers have grown from being Chris Thile and friends to a full fledged group. Antifogmatic finds five amazing musicians on top of their games and blending together perfectly. Do yourself a favor and buy this album! While there are undoubtedly some Thile haters out there cuz they want to see him a pickin' and a grinnin', those with an open mind and an appreciation for great music will love this album.

This is an album that the Punch Brothers knock out of the park. "Punch" (the band's first record) is one of my favorite albums of all time and this follow up does not disappoint. For those people who couldn't wrap their heads around some of the stuff on "Punch" this record offers up great tunes that you can just pop in and listen to. At the same time the songs are soaked in the talent and wonderful musicianship the Punch Brothers always offer. Antifogmatic has 10 songs (not including all the extras and bonus stuff) that could be considered to be the best on the album. Each track brings a different feel but it still flows very well. From the foot stompers "Rye Whiskey" and "Don't Need No" to the crazy beautiful "Welcome Home" and "This Is The Song (Good Luck)" and everything in between. The album is packed with great tunes that won't let you down. The sounds quality is off the charts good, if you weren't the one who put the record on you might think the band was sitting right in your living room. I know it may sound like I am just gushing because I love the Punch Brothers but if I had something bad to say I would, I just don't. If you like bluegrass music I don't see why you wouldn't enjoy the album and the sound of the Punch Brothers, but just keep in mind this isn't bluegrass music, its Punch Brothers music, music that leaves genres in the dust. I highly recommend the album and if you buy it get the deluxe version totally worth a few extra bucks.

The Punch Brothers' debut album was widely praised by Thile-followers everywhere, as has been this album, though I personally thought the band's first album was too esoteric, delving deep into the atonal.

Not so with Antifogmatic. This album caught from the first spin; I didn't have to work at it. Thile himself describes the album as much more harmonic, and I'd agree. They are songs that, for the most part, you can hum along with and in some cases, tap your foot to. And all of that done with the same virtuosity of Thilie's other efforts.

And that's not to say that this album is conventional by any means; most old time bluegrass fans will find this album unpalatable. The album is, as is usual for Thile, genre-defying and unpredictable, demonstrating well his ability to explore, surprise and intrigue.

Thile has always mentioned Radiohead as an influence, and I never really heard it until this album, particularly on track 3, "Alex". A lot of it sounds like Radiohead written for bluegrass instruments, and in fact, there is a cover of Radiohead's "Packt Like Sardines In a Crush'd Tin Box" available on iTunes.

Aside from the "Radioheadesque", many of the tracks are more conventional bluegrass in format, though still with a unique spin. And finally, if you buy the Deluxe Edition here on Amazon, you'll get the EP which is composed of instrumental tracks, which are reminiscent of his solo efforts.

In sum, though there are atonal elements on this record, I think Thile has righted a lot of the wrongs in "Punch", while keeping all that was good about it, and the end result is a much more listenable record, one that is a pleasure to listen to, in fact.

This album is perfect. The Punch Brothers are not only leading the field of experimental acoustic chamber music, they define it. Every song on this album is masterfully crafted, pulling influences and nuances ranging from Bach to Radiohead, Brahms to Debussy. The maturity and creativity on display here should be talked about for years to come, for they are years ahead of their time. We live in an era where genres still don't mix well and all the while the Punch Brothers defy our expectations with limitless art. Contrary to other reviewers' opinions about the accessibility or 'popiness' of this music, it is at a level that suits them perfectly. Wonderful motivic references to the different effects and societal roles of alcohol drench the record, leaving art and entertainment to take on equal roles through every song. As a lover of music, I can't hold back my infatuation for them. Hence, I will review each song:

You Are- The catchiness of this song and its inerrant pop sensibilities make for a toe-tapping ride every time. Woven through careful and sparse accompaniment are Thile's crooning vocals, reminding us that Punch Brothers, at many times, is a rock and roll band. It's as if the history of the group's instrumental roles have vanished in their entirety here, leaving them to create without regard to genre or tradition. "You are, you are, you are to me, like a very very wild thing."

Don't Need No- This material is possibly why I love the Brothers the most: only these boys could meld a chromatic groove, frightening transitions, and 21st century small-talk with the sour mash that their grandfathers drank and create something beautiful. Rhythms of five stop on dimes and immediately growl into an eclectic barn-dance revival, complete with ringing, jarring harmonies. The lyrics and melodies resemble the very cider these boys must have drank to create such a ruckus: tangy, dangerous, and unapologetic-as if every note were a drop of whiskey leading one to the next.

Alex- This was a harder track to get used to, as the form and texture are extremely accessible (unusual on this album). Once one settles down, it's an incredibly worthwhile listen. From the virtuosic banjo roll in the chorus to the lovely, surreal lyrics found in the bridge- there is something for everybody in this song.

Rye Whiskey- Rye Whiskey might tie with 'Next to the Trash' as the most upbeat song on the record. This track captures the free spirited romp that Bluegrass is all about. The catchy melody is just the start of the wonder in this tune; the unfinished story found in the verses completes itself in the bridge and only adds to this great track. Out of the whole record, this might be the catchiest melody. After just one listen, one will remind himself all day long just what Rye Whiskey can do for, and to, you. "Oh Boy!"

Me and Us- It's hard to capture the complexity and beauty of this song in a review. This track, in my humble opinion, documents some of the best imagery and symbolic music making going on today. 'Me and Us' is based on the final longing thoughts someone in a relationship has just before sleep. The bridge and the outro approach the efficiency of tunes like Ravel's Jeux d'eau or Debussy's Preludes in mastering imagery; the final, fleeting moments of instrumentation perfectly represent the last few thoughts one experiences before losing consciousness. Perfect.

Missy- A slight break from the intellectual track before it, Missy is a nice pop track that documents relations with a bracing woman. An amazing fiddle solo, biblical references, and a nice blend of pop and bluegrass make this a charming track.

The Woman and the Bell- This surrealist track tells the story of a captain and his first mate who are stuck on a sinking ship, lifeboat ready but desires conflicting. The imagery, dialogue, and mood of this song perfectly paint a complicated, surrealist picture of the scene. A complicated plot but enjoyable nonetheless.

Next to the Trash- On the surface, this track is a straightforward bluegrass tune. The story, however, pulls the song into the surrealist default of the album. Elements of rock, Celtic, and country music appear and make for an enjoyable break from the surrounding complexity.

Welcome Home- This is the mature side of the Brothers, aged like a fine wine. Haunting melodies, progressive harmonies and great lyrics are on display. It's cuts like this that one sees how much bands like Radiohead influence these boys. There's a sort of melancholy feel to the music and story, combining elements of rock, pop, and dark bluegrass to paint a complex picture. Some references to spirituality and great wordplay add to all of the above mentioned and makes this cut a deep, interesting success.

This is the Song (Good Luck)- In the same vein as 'It'll Happen' off of their debut record, this song resolves the tension and complexities carpeting the other tracks. Simple accompaniment and beautiful string bass, paired with great 3 part harmonies and a pace that takes its time combine to make this the perfect ending to a wild album.

It would not be the longest stretch to refer to this as a concept album. The band has been quoted to say that the songs are based on characters that could use a strong antifogmatic to see them through their situations. For us, these antifogmatic songs (and drinks) can help us, as well, get through tough times. There are those seldom incredible groups out there that have things to say that must be simply experienced and understood. The Punch Brothers have given us a gem that fits this bill. A perfect follow-up to an equally great debut.

The Deluxe Edition, by the way, is equally incredible. A great instrumental EP, along with a great live DVD, documents even more incredible music making. The DVD features the Brothers playing everything from Fiona Apple's 'On the Bound' to Bach's 'Brandenburg' Concerto. Highly recommended

A little background: I did not grow up on bluegrass. I always hated country, but I always had a soft spot for its more rootsy, less annoying cousin, bluegrass. A year ago, I was listening almost exclusively to metal, progressive rock, and everything in between. Anything with Steven Wilson, Daniel Gildenlow, or Kevin Moore's fingerprint found its way into my catalog, along with older classics like Yes and King Crimson.

And then I started getting into bluegrass. Bought a few bluegrass albums, and decided on attending the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That is where I stumbled upon Punch Brothers. No more than 30 minutes into their set, after I had already spent about $100 on music at the merch tent, I decided I had to leave with just one more album. And that was the Antifogmatic deluxe edition.

I will say, the first couple times through the album, it didn't really grab me. I figured it would be relegated to that ever growing array of average albums. But I kept listening, and before long, I found there were certain songs and passages that just kept me coming back for more.

I mentioned the progressive rock artists to whom I have extensively listened for a reason. There are some obvious parallels between that kind of music and Punch Brothers. The sound is different, and the instrumentation is worlds apart, but just like King Crimson did, the Punch Brothers are taking a genre, mixing in influences from other genres, and pushing the boundaries far beyond the traditional limits. These guys are talented, and they can play traditional bluegrass as well as anybody (as evidenced by a couple of tracks on the bonus DVD), but they especially excel in their composition ability. There is really nothing else like them around.

Punch Brothers' previous album, Punch (which I have since purchased), features a 40 minute long suite spanning four tracks and a majority of the album. As far as I am aware, that sort of thing is unheard of in bluegrass, but is typical in progressive rock. Antifogmatic has a much more song-oriented structure, but remains equally controversial. It has probably three tracks that could have some appeal to those with limited appreciation for the atypical (You Are, Rye Whiskey, and Next To The Trash), but even those may offend the more traditional tastes. And that is what makes it great.

A final note on the deluxe edition: it is well worth the few extra bucks. The four song bonus CD is solid, but probably won't stay in your rotation. The p-Bingo Night DVD is, however, excellent. It has an excellent mix of bluegrass instrumental, covers, and an original song or two. The setting is intimate, the camera work is well done, and the sound quality is excellent.

This is a review of the deluxe edition of Antifogmatic.

The question of "Who's the best eclectic string band on the planet?" has been fully answered and the answer is the Punch Brothers. The only thing this group can't do is stay within one category.

Antifogmatic: (the first CD): Subtitle: Wow man, that was heavy!

This is a pop album (more than anything else). It emphasizes beat and rhythm and tight harmonies. But there are two things that are really new about it. First is that the Banjo player, Noam Pikelny is on lead more than any of the other players. His fluid, soft banjo playing introduces many of the musical phrases and passages. He actually sounds like Thile did in 2000 on the Mandolin. Second is the very thoughtful, clever and deep lyrics. I have re-listened to the middle songs, cuts 5-6-7 many times and I am very impressed with how much is here. Discover the meanings for yourself. But remember that "Together Looks good when you're alone looks good when you're together." I haven't heard lyrics this good since "Jagged Little Pill." Apart from these factors, the band sounds as good or better than it has before, tight, fast, lots of dynamics.

All of this is True: (the second CD): Subtitle: Jazz-Classical-Modern Punch

4 Songs: No singing, only about 17 minutes. Like their previous album, the structure of the songs takes some getting used to, but it's unique and jazzy.


P-Bingo: (The DVD): Subtitle: Yeah, we can do that!

Those who have finished the first two albums looking for something traditional find their fresh drinks here. There is one bluesgrass romp (Ride the Wild Turkey)that has the classic structure. There is one newgrass romp (manchicken)that starts with the classic structure and throws a few curves. There are two prison songs and (I did say something for everyone), a super-amazing rendition of one of the Brandenburg concertos.

These guys are just the best.

What happens when a group of supremely talented musicians, known for their mind blowing, acrobatic, circus-shot recordings... puts out an ensemble-based, tastefully arranged and downright beautiful record; with inspired vocals and well crafted song writing? Well, if one of the other reviews is any indication, it might disappoint some of their fans...

I'm a crotchety old Bluegrass snob (one that even insists on capitalizing the word Bluegrass out of respect for the genre) but a good record is a good record. Period. Regardless of what it is or isn't, Antifogmatic is a great record. No, it's not Bluegrass and it's not the usual high octane musical masturbation. It's a pop record... and a really good one.

Judge it on it's own merits and you'll not be disappointed.

I was introduced to Chris Thile, bandleader of the Punch Brothers, when he was part of Nickel Creek. He now had put together an amazing ensemble of virtuoso musicians who play a combination of traditional bluegrass, classical, pop, modernal atonal, rock and more... if you are a lover of music... particularly music that reaches beyond just pop or top 40, this album will blow you away! It is a must-have!