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Album Review: Mr. Bison, Seaward

Posted in Reviews on December 17th, 2020 by JJ Koczan

mr bison seaward

Seaward is the fourth album from Cecina, Italy’s Mr. Bison, and unquestionably the most progressive. Issued through Subsound Records and Ripple Music, the seven-track/39-minute collection brings together songs based around the a narrative of the sea itself, drawing on mythology about the creation of the Tuscan Archipelago as seven pearls broken off a necklace by Aphrodite — those love goddesses, so clumsy — falling into the water and making the islands. Good fun, and a nice linkup for a record from the Italian coast with seven songs on it, but Seaward reaches broader in terms of its actual subject matter and storytelling, as the three-piece of guitarist/vocalists Matteo Barsacchi and Matteo Sciocchetto and drummer/noisemaker/vocalist Matteo D’Ignazi engage not only myths and ancient stories — “Oudeis” translating to “no one” or “nobody” from Greek, but referring also to Odysseus — but look out over the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the opening title-track, “I’m the Storm” and the penultimate “Underwater.”

Should it be any surprise that the album flows? That it’s immersive? No. It’s about water. It damn well better flow and be immersive. But the scope of Seaward is a considerable shift from where the trio could be found in terms of aesthetics even two years ago. Their 2018 offering, Holy Oak (review here), certainly had its proggier moments, but carried them amid a tonal warmth born of heavy psychedelic impulse, and their roots in playing more straight-ahead, uptempo, post-Truckfighters heavy rock on their first two records, 2016’s Asteroid and 2012’s We’ll Be Brief, were still evident in some of the material. Seaward is a rock album, to be sure, but as the band showed earlier in 2020 on their split with Spacetrucker (review here), they are pushing toward a cleaner-toned flourish, perhaps less driven directly toward warmth of tone but distinctly broader in melody and more accomplished-sounding on the whole. Since Barsacchi — the lone remaining founder of the band — brought in Sciocchetto and D’Ignazi on Asteroid, the band would seem to have been pushing in this direction, but there’s little mistaking the proggy intent in these tracks.

Certainly, Mr. Bison aren’t the only group who’ve embarked on more complex structures and methods over the last few years — heavy rock as a whole has moved in this direction, fueled in no small part by the work of Elder and a few others — but there’s an underlying classic sensibility too in Seaward, and “Seaward,” the song, still opens with a mighty roller of a riff once it kicks in from the quiet introduction. The title-track may or may not have been composed for the purpose of leading off the LP, but it’s definitely suited for it, hitting into its verse before the three-minute mark as Mr. Bison find nuance between the ’70s style of heavy prog — Captain Beyond, et al — and modern heavy execution. But it’s the focus on melody that’s most striking, and the fact that while individual songs have gotten longer on the whole — Holy Oak had two tracks over seven minutes and Seaward has one in “I’m the Storm” (7:40), but that’s the longest song the band have made and the average of the surrounding cuts is higher — the band have managed to keep their songwriting sensibility intact.

mr bison

Second cut “From the Abyss” emphasizes this, fluidly picking up from the end of “Seaward” with a shorter, more straightforward run on a short linear course, with a memorable chorus and instrumental thrust, giving way to vocals and lush guitar deceptive in its nuance for how peaceful it sounds. The final surge feels a bit manic in comparison, but they still manage to bring it down in time to end the song for a smooth transition into “I’m the Storm,” which brings a thicker chug as it might be expected to do, but coats it too in melody, pushing the distortion lower in the mix so that it’s part of the overall affect rather than entirely consuming, though the final echoing shout of the title line brings to mind Stoned Jesus‘ “I’m the Mountain” just the same. The residual drift marks the end of side A, and “I’m the Storm” is no less suited in its place than was “Seaward” at the outset, but the 6:45 “Oudeis,” introduced by organ in the spirit of Celeste and other classic Italian prog, is a special advent as the centerpiece of the tracklisting as well.

Scorching guitar, high-energy lead vocals that shift into harmony as the song moves into its midsection, and a proggy shuffle to accompany, “Oudeis” is clearly intended as a focal point example of Mr. Bison‘s sonic evolution — a show-piece, if there were shows — and it leads into side B with the sense that not only have the band taken on this sonic growth, but they’ve brought it to bear with the necessary control and mastery. As with “From the Abyss,” “The Sacrifice” follows “Oudeis” with a more forward motion, but the multiple layers of vocals, continued organ line and tension in the guitar and drums builds toward what’s arguably Seaward‘s most satisfying payoff. It’s ironic that it should come on the shortest track, but the vitality on display speaks for itself. With the subtle shift of an atmospheric intro, “Underwater” returns to more patient fare, but remains somewhat angular in its groove, coming apart later as its core strum leads the way out toward closer “The Curse.”

Saving room for one last push, Mr. Bison bring their watery proceedings to a close with “The Curse,” and in so doing offer one final linear build, perhaps the album’s most direct up to that point. A layer of guitar solo floats airily over the central riff, giving ambience to an earlier chug complementary to that of “I’m the Storm,” and the song’s ending, cut after a verse, feels somewhat sudden but leaves little more one might ask that isn’t delivered. The same is true of Seaward as a whole. Mr. Bison bring vitality to sonic progressivism in such a way as to distinguish themselves from their many peers of similar intent, and it is the energy of their material, as well as the theme, that allows them to tie together heavy rock and progadelia with such grace and class. Where their course might ultimately bring them has only become more of a mystery with this turn, but they’re only more exciting an act for that, and for the richness of craft they harness here.

Mr. Bison, Seaward (2020)

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Mr. Bison to Release Seaward Oct. 16

Posted in Whathaveyou on August 20th, 2020 by JJ Koczan

mr bison

For all I know, Arrested Development never even aired in Italy, but I don’t think I’ve seen the word ‘seaward’ since then without thinking of Michael Bluth going “Get rid of the ‘Seaward,'” meaning a boat, and having his mother respond, “I’ll leave when I’m good and ready.” Get it? c-word? seaward? It was a very cleverly written show.

And again, one that I have no idea if the members of Mr. Bison have ever seen it. Just because the Italian heavy psych rockers make one pop-cultural reference — their moniker — doesn’t mean they’re doing so all the time. And their quote in the PR wire below seems to be deeper dug into coming from somewhere else anyhow that, even if they have seen it, the association is still different. Yes folks, they’re talking about the sea.

Opening title-track is streaming now, so have at it at the bottom here. Preorders are up through Subsound Records and Ripple Music:

mr bison seaward

Heavy Psych Rockers, MR. BISON, reveal album details and share first single from upcoming record!

“Seaward” to be released October 16th via Subsound Records and Ripple Music

Heavy Psych and Blues Rock trio, MR. BISON, has announced the upcoming release of their brand new, full length album titled “Seaward”, which will be seeing the light of day on October 16th via Subsound Records and Ripple Music. Being influenced by acts such as Captain Beyond, Jimi Hendrix and the more recent Motorpsycho, the band from Cecina, Italy, creates a wild trip and unique musical journey, packed with psychedelia and virtuosic fuzz deliriums. Following their critically acclaimed recent record, “Holy Oak” (2018), “Seaward” will see MR. BISON to continue their path of expressive melodies and high- voltage grooves that you cannot escape.

Today, MR. BISON have unleashed a first appetizer before their highly anticipated, new album will be served this Fall! Listen to “Seaward”, the first single and title track taken from the upcoming output, streaming now via the band’s Bandcamp at THIS LOCATION

Furthermore and with the following words, the band gives a deep insight about what their new record is all about:

“Curious to explore the world of progressive, and the vocal harmonic solutions of the Golden Era like Crosby Still Nash, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, we decided to forge the new album ‘SEAWARD’. It’s a CONCEPT album that draws inspiration from the sea and from the legend of the 7 pearls of the Tyrrhenian Sea and as an imaginary horizon. It’s developed in 7 songs as a reference to the 7 pearls of the Tyrrhenian, arrating myths closely related to the sea, from the magic of the Sirens and the sacrifice of Andromeda to the heroic adventures of Ulysses and the ruthless curse of Scylla. 7 like Aphrodite’s pearls and the number of days in each moon phase, which affects the tides and the mood of each individual who, during magical moments of solitude and reflection, finds refuge in the horizon and in the wonderful echo of the vibrations of this majestic expanse of water.”

Tracklist reads as follows:

1. Seaward
2. From The Abyss
3. I’m The Storm
4. Oudeis
5. The Sacrifice
6. Underwater
7. The Curse

“Seaward” is the culmination of a full year’s hard labor and was recorded by Matteo Barsacchi and mixed/mastered at “Audio Design Recordings” by producer Jordan Andreen (Earthless, Sacri Monti). This record is arguably the most blazing, powerful and eclectic album by MR. BISON yet.

“Seaward” will be coming out on October 16th via Subsound Records and Ripple Music and is now available for pre-order RIGHT HERE

The project is realized with the support of MiBACT and SIAE, as part of the initiative “Per Chi Crea”

MR.BISON are:
Matteo Barsacchi – Guitar / Vocals
Matteo Sciocchetto – Guitar / Vocals
Matteo D’Ignazi – Drums / Sound Effects / Vocals

www.facebook.com/mrbisonband
https://www.instagram.com/mrbison_band/
http://mrbison.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theripplemusic/
https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/
http://www.ripple-music.com/
https://www.facebook.com/subsoundrecords
https://subsoundrecords.bigcartel.com/
http://www.subsoundrecords.it/

Mr. Bison, Seaward (2020)

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Mr. Bison Sign to Ripple Music; New LP & Split with Spacetrucker Coming Soon

Posted in Whathaveyou on May 7th, 2019 by JJ Koczan

Look, I’m a gentleman of a certain age, so I remember the first time I encountered the character who in the US version was called M. Bison in Street Fighter II. He whipped my ass. I got mine in the end, and so on through the TurboHyper and sundry other editions of the game, but the threat from M. Bison never dissipated. As such, even now when I see Mr. Bison — the name given to the character everywhere else — coming to the US to play Planet Desert Rock Weekend this month and announcing they’ve been signed to Ripple Music, there’s a decent sense of threat in my mind. Watch out for Mr. Bison because if you’re not ready they’ll whip your ass.

Maybe that’s true and maybe not. Their 2018 outing, Holy Oak (review here), had a more complex agenda, much to its credit, and a broader sonic reach suited the band. Apparently well enough to catch the ear of Ripple, which is saying something. Planet Desert Rock Weekend won’t be their first time in the States, but it feels celebratory nonetheless as they move forward toward their next LP and it’s revealed they’ll take part in Ripple‘s new Turn to Stone split series, following up on the wildly successful The Second Coming of Heavy 10-part excursion.

Good stuff all around. I like a feelgood story, so here’s one:

mr bison

Mr Bison Sign To Ripple Music, Record New Album and Prepare to Storm the Stage at Planet Desert Rock Weekend in Las Vegas

Preparing to deliver on the promise of their 2018 album Holy Oak, heavy psychedelic trio Mr Bison has signed with US purveyors of riff-heaviness, Ripple Music, to bring the band’s latest mesmerizing slab of acid jamming to the world.

MR. BISON, formed by Matteo Barsacchi (Guitar/Vocal), Matteo Sciocchetto (Guitar/Vocal), and Matteo D’Ignazi (Drum/Sound Effect/Vocal) established themselves as one of the most exciting combos in the heavy psych underground. After We’ll Be Brief and the critically acclaimed Asteroid , their singular assault on heavy, distorted blues couldn’t help but be noticed. A U.S.A tour soon followed then dozens of gigs in the Italian peninsula, opening for the likes of DANKO JONES, RED FANG, MONDO GENERATOR, KARMA TO BURN, MY SLEEPING KARMA, and many more. Following a sold out European tour, the trio raged back with the critically-hailed HOLY OAK.

Now it’s time for the next step. Signing to Ripple Music, the band keeps its unusual lineup, two guitars, drums and . . . no bass! In other hands this set up could be a disaster, but in the capable hands of these maestros, the two guitars together create a massive wall of sound where you won’t even notice the absence of bass. First coming out with a 12″ side of vinyl for the new Ripple Music Split LP Series, “Turn to Stone” where they share vinyl with US space rockers Spacetrucker, a new full-length will follow in 2020.

Imagine being in an overloaded black van on the roads of the Big South, playing nothing but early 70’s legendary acts like the almighty Capt Beyond, Orang-Utan mixed with one of the most powerful band of our days, Motorpsycho. And that’s Mr Bison. A refreshingly uplifting blast of gutsy, 70s-inspired stoner rock, played with passion and high energy that puts the power back into the classic power-trio formula.

About the new songs, Matteo D’Ignazi says, “The new songs are a concentration of stoner rock and psychedelic moments, dilated atmospheres that alternate with monolithic riffs. We are proud to be part of the Ripple family, one of the labels that has produced dozens of albums that we have always treasured! Being part of it now is a dream come true.”

Look for “Turn to Stone” the new split series to hit the streets early late 2019/early 2020. And be sure to catch Mr Bison live as they hit the stage at Planet Desert Rock Weekend in Las Vegas.

For more information on Planet Desert Rock Weekend: https://www.facebook.com/VRRProductions/

For Tickets:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planet-desert-rock-weekend-v2-weekender-pass-tickets-56264327117

www.facebook.com/mrbisonband
http://mrbison.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theripplemusic/
https://twitter.com/RippleMusic
https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/
http://www.ripple-music.com/

Mr. Bison, Holy Oak (2018)

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Mr. Bison to Release Asteroid on March 18

Posted in Whathaveyou on January 26th, 2016 by JJ Koczan

mr bison

Hailing from the northern side of Italy’s western coastline, it’s little wonder that Cecina trio Mr. Bison are looking to have a good time. The upbeat heavy rockers will release their second album, Asteroid, via Subsound Records on March 18, and it will serve as the foll0w-up to the band’s 2012 debut, We’ll be Brief, which showed some clear influence from modern fuzz à la Truckfighters — who at this point should be charging royalties to the Italian Ministry of Culture — and a clear readiness not to take itself too serious in songs like “Grocery Store” and “R&R Cobra.”

If there’s any shame in Mr. Bison moving beyond that record and toward the new release, it’s that they didn’t make a video for “Grocery Store” from the debut, which featured the chorus, “I go to the grocery store,” and seem ripe for some visual representation. Perhaps even of someone going to the grocery store. A missed opportunity, but four years after issuing their first LP — they also had an EP out in 2011 called We Don’t Like Love Songs that, like the debut, is available as a free download from their Bandcamp — it’s probably time for them to roll on one way or another.

Since their last time out, the band has apparently dropped the bass in favor of a dual-guitar approach. The PR wire brings confirmation of that as well as the preorder link for Asteroid, which you’ll find under the artwork below:

mr bison asteroid

Subsound Records is thrilled to announce the signing of the italian stoner rockers MR.BISON

The long awaited album “ASTEROID” will come out worldwide on March 18th 2016, powered by a new double guitar line up balancing the absence of bass with a wall of sound result of home made splitted triple amplifiers.

Artwork by acclaimed designer Luca Solo Macello. “ASTEROID” will hit the stores in Cd and Lp formats

Pre-Orders Here: http://subsoundrecords.bigcartel.com/artist/mr-bison

www.facebook.com/mrbisonband
www.subsoundrecords.it

Mr. Bison, We’ll be Brief (2012)

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