Colonel Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit has been one of the 90’s oddest underground bands since they came out. Combining their own original renditions of genres ranging from Bluegrass to Soul, made them truly something else. Hampton had successfully managed to create a band filled with his enigmatic and rather strange way of thinking with virtuosity and all things having to do with music. Unfortunately, Col. Bruce Hampton would eventually leave this group forever and retire for a short time. Leaving the current members a chance to take control.
Though,, Hampton played the largest role in the making of the music and in The Aquarium Rescue Unit, each other member was greatly needed. Knowing that, the remaining members of The Rescue Unit would keep the band going and attempt to replace the Colonel with vocalist Paul Henson. Unfortunately, replacing a personality and leader like Bruce Hampton would be extremely difficult, so it was no surprise when their replacement could in no way live up to the respect and ability Col. Bruce Hampton owned.
Though Paul Henson is no Bruce Hampton, he is surely talented. However, it wasn’t Hampton’ guitar ability nor vocal ability that made him special, it was his leadership and ideas. Henson’s voice is no disappointment on this third release from the currently Aquarium Rescue Unit (Notice they are no longer Col. Bruce Hampton’s Aquarium Rescue Unit), nor is it a disappointment in the two other previous releases. But the song quality and originality lack. The songs do not combine witty writing, and/or odd formulas. Though, the music they make is still quite good, it is (once again) not as good.
The Aquarium Rescue Unit still of course possess much talent. The guitar stylings of Jimmy Herring have been acknowledge by many to be the best Rock has seen for ages. His ability to mix Roots influence with virtuosity is very unique. The Burbridge brothers most likely need no introduction. Each has made quite a name for themselves with their careers inside of The Allman Brother family. Oteil’s bass virtuosity can be seen in almost every track, and Kofi’s keyboard and flute skills should definitely be acknowledged. Sean O’Rourke manages to keep a good steady rhythm through his stint with the band. And as I said, Paul Henson has quite the talented voice.
The Aquarium Rescue Unit’s final and third album (Without Hampton), The Calling, has been commonly preferred over the previous album’s Eepeee and In a Perfect World, but that isn’t saying much. For those two albums have been looked at as being below satisfactory and worthless. Luckily, The Calling is not that bad, but sadly nothing to get excited about.
The Calling opens with a track entitled “Hurt No More”. A very interesting Funkish Psychedelic number, resembling one of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Popping bass, rapid strumming with a wah pedal, and aggressive drumming make “Hurt No More” a very interesting and well done opener for the album. “Hurt No More” delivers, mainly because of its resemblance to the earlier material the band had created. It is quite obvious that the album would not stay that way as soon as the second track begins. “The Calling” is a slow, more lovely song. The harmonies are rather intricate and definitely satisfactory, but they are surely not what a fan would be expecting. The only real moment of relief is when Herring presents the listener with a wonderful guitar solo.
Third on the list would be “Nice”. A smooth Jazz influenced tune. Judging by the first few seconds, “Nice” sounds like it could pass off as an earlier A.R.U. song. But the thought is smashed when the Henson’s vocals take effect. The song is does have some great points though. A wonderful guitar lead chorus is a fine example. “Through the Fire” follows the previous soulful track. “Through the Fire” is a bouncy number with that harmonize quite well. Kofi manages to show his importance throughout the track with his smooth keyboard playing. Paul Henson’s Eddie Vedder like voice really starts to take effect on me. The deep voice starts getting slightly annoying. The writing on the current track is anything special either. Henson speaks of general topics leaving out any shocking moments or humor.
“No Egos” comes up next and does not disappoint. An older Kofi Burbridge and Bruce Hampton written song is a for sure highlight. The thumping bass and rapid snare hits provide a nice background for the lead playing that will soon take effect. Kofi plays light patterns on his organ bring brief amusement, but amusement none the less. For brother Oteil is my main focus. Popping and slapping his bass with much speed and persistency. Like the featured song, Henson’s voice does not disappoint. Surprisingly, Jimmy Herring has not taken the spotlight up to this point in the song. Ultimately keeping my attention of Oteil’s rapid slaps. That is until Herring enters with an outstanding solo combining blinding fast picking, and possibly even some finger tapping. Yes, Jimmy Herring is very underrated ;). The boys really do a good job on “No Egos”.
Next up, two boring tracks. Starting off, a slow and annoying slow track. Sounds oddly similar to something that Creed or Pearl Jam would do. I don’t see why some of the older members of The Rescue Unit would put up with some of this stuff. Following the five minutes of bore that is “Precious Child” is another pointless track entitled “King in the Making”. A track comparable to an annoying Rush or Spin Doctor song. However, “King in the Making” does feature some high points. The presence of Kofi is definitely noticeable when he unleashes a beautiful flute solo. His piano chops are also shown, and are very impressive. Overall, the song rally does nothing for me.
“Ride” is now the current track. Slightly resembling “No Egos” musically, it comes off very interesting. Herring displays some great acoustics skills that blend will with Kofi’s beautiful flute playing. The musicians continuously switch off soloing time to time, while the rhythm section keeps a very steady beat. In time, Oteil even takes a stab at soloing. He does not expose all of his skill, but does put together a credible solo. Altogether, The Rescue Unit managed to put together a well done instrumental. Following the successful instrumental comes just a mediocre track. “Page in Time” is interesting at certain points, but is mostly just okay. Herring has managed to put together a very powerful riff that leads the band into various credible choruses. I am also fond of the backing vocals used in “Page in Time”.
A mediocre number follows the previous mediocre tune. “How Ya Livin” shows nothing incredible. The song is overall quite soulful and instrumentally up to par, but does not show any writing talent, nor charisma on behalf of the lead vocalist. On the run way to the conclusion, The Aquarium Rescue Unit makes a pit stop at “Reflections”. An aggressive Blue number, showing much resemblance to their contemporaries. “Reflection” can easily be compared to Blues Traveler in general, who the band has collaborated with on many occasions. Though the track is overall nothing special, Herring does produce another wonderful solo. Filled with tapping and precise picking. Finishing up The Calling would be “Usaidtheredbefish”. A song that starts off with a circus like tone and ends the same way. This instrumental is rather boring. It does feature the occasional humorous antic by Henson (I still believe the track is an instrumental though, for he does not sing.), and a couple of okay solos, but really isn’t a song. And certainly does not end the album well.
Though The Calling does pass up its album rivals (Though by a very slim amount), it is still not a quality album. And is in no way comparable or as good as albums put out by Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit.
2.3/5
