When you get three stellar musicians together, you know you are guaranteed some interesting and exciting music, and that’s exactly what you get with Stick Men. Messrs Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto and Marcus Reuter have been playing together for some time now, and as this release demonstrates, it shows. This is an album full of class, excitement, and professional skill, with the recordings taken from their live performances at Teatro Caio Melisso (Italy) in November 2023. As a side note I was fortunate to see these chaps at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach a number of years ago with my friend Jez Rowden. It was a small venue where you could get up close and experience their wonderful set, and afterwards, we got the chance to chat with all three of them, who were very approachable and friendly.
This mini-album, or EP if you prefer was originally only available at their live shows during the last tour, however they have decided to do a very limited run release on CD – although it is available as a download. Consisting of five tracks with a total running time of just over thirty-three minutes, there is a great deal packed into those minutes. The curious album title, Swimming in Tea, which for an American band, is the most British album title I have heard of, kicks off with the title tune. Grabbing your attention throughout, this eleven minute piece demonstrates what they do best — atmospheric, complex music with excellent interplay between the players.
Following is a nod to some of the members’ past with a take on King Crimson’s Level 5, and boy, do they shine on this one. Powerful, tight playing from all three, interlocking their instruments well, with Marcus ably picking up some of Mr. Fripp’s parts so seamlessly you could be forgiven for thinking this was King Crimson in one of their many variants.
A further three tracks of their own follow, again demonstrating what they do best, starting with Tony’s showpiece Cusp, a run out for Mantra from the Prog Noir 2016 album, and Tentacles, perhaps the jewel in the crown here.
If you are not familiar with Stick Men, I urge you to investigate, and this album could be a good place to start. All three band members have long and successful musical pedigrees in various settings, and all this experience comes to fruition here. This release is an excellent one to use to dip into their musical world, and one that I feel could win them more listeners.
TRACK LISTING
01. Swimming In Tea (11:27)
02. Level 5 (7:07)
03. Cusp (4:56)
04. Tentacles (4:45)
05. Mantra (5:27)
Total Time – 33:35
MUSICIANS
Tony Levin – Stick
Pat Mastelotto – Acoustic & Electronic Drums, Percussion
Markus Reuter – Touch Guitars@ AU8 Custom, Soundscapes
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: USA
Date of Release: 20th November 2024
