In the world of Avant-Garde music there are few rules. There is, of course, the implicit understanding that within this commorancy lives music that eschews mainstream and other genre-binding constraints. What this music must be is rather hard to generalize, however.

Static Trio is an instrumental group based out of NYC/Denver composed of musicians Mike Thies-Drums, John Grigsby-Bass and Dave Devine-Guitars. At any given time reminiscent of Daniel Lanois, King Crimson or Squarepusher among many other varied influences, Static Trio is indeed a dynamic band. Their latest self-titled recording, released independently, offers the listener some truly interesting and remarkable pieces of music.

“Static Trio” is at times cacophonous and strident, bearing down powerfully like a drill bit boring into steel. At other moments it is hauntingly introspective, leaving you with feelings of remorse and solitude. Never insipid or trite, “Static Trio” engages the listener from beginning to end.

The opening track, “Comptor” begins with Devine’s guitar successfully imitating what it might sound like if your computer suddenly developed schizophrenia. During a development of the CPU’s theme through different variations of odd meter, “Comptor” eventually reaches a savage and violent culmination where all that remains is smoke and rubble.

Then there is the aptly named “Quint,” perhaps the most melodic and moving piece on the album. Surely destined for a film score, “Quint” almost feels like pop culture with its memorable harmonic twists and turns and a contemporary arrangement. Regardless of the unconventional time signature, it flows naturally and effortlessly anchored by Thies’ creative rhythms and Grigsby’s solid punctuation and subtle nuances.

The album ends with “Pretty Much,” a solo noise piece by Devine. Static, fuzz and distortion oscillate through your head as he demonstrates a redoubtable command of his electronic arsenal underfoot. Although completely atonal in the traditional sense, listening to “Pretty Much” a few times through you will discover just how beautifully discordant yet simultaneously dulcet music can be.

Contact Static Trio to purchase a copy of this record or dowload it on iTunes and Emusic

http://www.myspace.com/mikeythies