Obscured By Clowns

Rumah Sakit | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Label: Temporary Residence Ltd.
• Copyright: Copyright 2002 Temporary Residence Ltd.
• Total Length: 48:21
• Genres:
• ASIN: B002U3E9AW
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,946 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to accelerated instrumental indie rock, March 23, 2007

By 

IRate - See all my reviews

This review is from: Obscured By Clowns (Audio CD)

Fine math rock release from underrated musicians show a refining on their sophomore approach to the hypnotic brand of challenging instrumental rock, articulating but not necessarily expanding the fundamental language for an off-timed splendor of abrasion that bands like Don Caballero helped pioneer. Proving nothing groundbreaking for fans of the intense niche, anyone not familiar with bands like Don but thirsty for musicianship will find this a worthy introduction to the style with an impressive hit list of brutal, angular assaults. As exemplified in a few final tracks, the band can take all that raw energy and properly translate it to stage, no easy feat given the general complexity and playful natures combined. While never truly capitalizing on some inherent brilliance to be found, this is still a highly focused overview of the impressive genre's provocative procedures.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Subtle changes in styles=subtle changes in smiles, December 16, 2005

By 

Jeff Hodges (Denton, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Obscured By Clowns (Audio CD)

As with their self-titled first recording, the introduction of Rumah Sakit's "Obscured by Clowns" sets the pace for the entire recording. This two-minute musical event called "Hello, Beginning, This Is My Friend...The End" sums up the overall strengths and weaknesses of this sophomore release. It quickly swells to thunderous cacophony, but lacks the focused intensity that was the hallmark of their debut.

The musically aware thirtysomething cannot help but appreciate the way that Rumah Sakit wears nostalgia on their conceptual sleeve. While the titles of their tunes reference the Doors, Devo, and Pink Floyd, Pink Floyd is probably the most perceptible addition to the influences exhibited on "Obscured by Clowns." Those that are familiar with Rumah Sakit's brand of hyper-intelligent math-rock might find this titular reference to be little more than lip service, but in comparison to their raucous and compelling first work, "Obscured by Clowns" is overall a more textural and sometimes mellow affair.

Rumah Sakit's distinctive brand of mathematically-driven punk rock is still intact, but their use of musical intensity is not as pervasive as on their self-titled debut. This is not to imply that "Obscured by Clowns" is not without its moments of intensity. While "Nobody Likes a Grumpy Cripple" and "Sausage Full of Secrets" both recall the energy of the first album, there are no tracks on the first album that mirror the soothing contemplation of "German Clock". This approach to Rumah Sakit's complex style seems to be absolutely appropriate in most cases.

However, it changes the feel of the album dramatically. In some ways, this stylistic change gives the listener the feeling that Rumah Sakit may have lost a little focus. While diversifying can be an effective way of progressing, in the case of "Obscured by Clowns" it ends up undermining the overall cohesiveness of the album.

The Lowdown: Although I believe that every album should be accepted on its own merit, I don't think that "Obscured by Clowns" would have been as inspirational to me as their first album had I experienced it first. While is pretty successful in incorporating more atmospheric territory into Rumah Sakits overall ouvere, there are times when the concepts that drive these excursions become fuzzy and threaten to lose the interest of the listener. However, I do find it to be an enjoyable listen and a welcome addition to Rumah Sakit's limited repertoire.

5.0 out of 5 stars simply incredible, April 28, 2005

By 

The Obelisk - See all my reviews

This review is from: Obscured By Clowns (Audio CD)

Intricate, warm, soulful, delicate, heavy, thunderous. Rumah Sakit's instrumental pieces bring to mind all these things. Equal parts Steve Reich, Led Zeppelin, Don Caballero, and just plain gorgeousness. They kick the crushing math rock when it's appropriate, and rein it in for some shimmery bliss when it is not. I listen to this album at least 3 times a week. Pure beauty.