Review Summary: 3 in 1: new material, remix of the original and a complementary addition to it.
Every time I listen to Master Musicians Of Bukkake that dark, enthralling mood created by their mesmerizing music wraps itself around me. Even though
Far West seemed to alienate some fans, I found it a high point in their career. They managed to transpose me into that universe, sometimes ancient, sometimes modern, while constantly unveiling layers with each new track. I must admit I was quite excited to see they were going to release a sequel to that album. What took me most by surprise was the way it was presented to the world.
Closest maybe to the concept of The Flaming Lips'
Zaireeka, these guys hinted towards this album from the moment people observed an extra pocket in
Far West's packaging, but very few might have seen it coming.
Further West Quad Cult acts both as a remix album, as well as a complementary addition. It's meant to be listened along with its predecessor, giving an extra dimension to the whole journey (although not mandatory). Whether it's only a brooding synth, backing vocals or electronic blips, MMOB made sure they actually brought something worthy of inclusion. For example, 'Where Apollo Meets Delphi' (the add-on for 'Gnomi') helps the original with some cinematic keyboards and a choir singing over, shaping a huge sound that considerably amplifies the overall result. The eponymous cut for 'White Mountain Return' offers a bass layer that helps balance the noisy intro and boosts the menacing finale. Also, for 'Cave Of Light', 'Bodies Dissolved, Blood Flows' doubles the voices, as well as sharing some ethereal sound pads that form the foundation of the song. It doesn't always feel like much, yet overall you can feel how grandiose things have suddenly become by playing both records.
If you have the patience (and the tools of course) to listen to both records at once,
Quad Cult works really fine. However, what if you take it separately? This way, the LP can be seen mostly as a dark ambient, at times droning piece with occasional embellishments and chants. It doesn't disappoint as its new age influences keeps it from being flat, but still, it doesn't bloom like
Far West. 'The Original Argument' (for 'Arche') and 'Where Louis Meets Clark' (counterpart to 'Circular Ruins') are arguably the most accomplished tunes, boasting occasional changes in patterns, plus some enjoyable moments. The water/nature samples, faint percussion and wind instruments float over the somber synthesizers, feeling like some meditation music gone wrong. This will definitely be a polarizing release, more or less like its companion.
In the end, what helps is Master Musicians Of Bukkake's experimental approach to all things. They are never shy to step into the unknown. It might be uncomfortable for some fans to always have two run both records on their computers or stereos, so those should hope they'll mash and release the two to the world. Of course, the depth and quality will be diminished. In the end it's not that much of a sacrifice, at least not the way The Flaming Lips made it be with
Zaireeka. I remember commenting on the occasional lack of substance
Far West suffered from yet I always came back to it. Now, with the
Quad Cult the journey feels complete as it's enriched with various accompanying instruments and this can only be a good reason to revisit the entire saga.
