To say that I can’t say enough about Sleepytime Gorilla Museum would be pretty correct in its implication of admiration, but when it comes to actually saying something about them… it becomes difficult. Their live show is almost universally recommended, but when pressed for a description, people usually reply with, “Well, you just have to see it.”

But the Web Of Mimicry association is a pretty good place to start. SGM fit into the Bay Area tradition of fringe heavy metal types with an obvious love for avant garde classical, John Zorn, and apocalyptic themes. Of Natural History follows up the band’s first effort, Grand Opening and Closing, with the same kind of quasi-industrial, jerky dynamics, and Nils Frykdahl’s dramatic vocals (which, thanks to the rise of South Park, are unavoidably reminiscent of Trey Parker).

Like their peers, SLG can be pretty hammy, from the 18th century-style costumes to the dramatic themes, but musically, Of Natural History is compelling enough to overpower the gimmickry. Their homemade instruments (one great reason to see them live) are surprisingly musical and go beyond auxiliary texture to serve as an essential element of the band’s sound. “Phthisis” explodes with tribal rhythms over violinist Carla Kihlstedt’s Bjork-like vocals, and the whole layered mess of whatever stringed things they’re hammering comes full force on “Babydoctor,” providing two of the most satisfying moments on the record. Thanks to my inherent disdain for all things overly fantastic and melodramatic, I’m not as appreciative of the more tongue in cheek tracks, i.e. “A Hymn to the Morning Star” and “Cockroach,” although the latter is second-funniest musical treatment of that pest I’ve heard. If it’s your bag, though, SLG do a helluva job. Fans of Zorn and Mr. Bungle will not be disappointed.
www.sleepytimegorillamuseum.com
www.webofmimicry.com

Dave Schutz

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 Past Constructive Criticism

Patrick Crough posted the following Constructive Criticism: I'm not sure how I became assaulted out here in the middle of Kansas by these wonderful people, but I am still reeling from the after effects. Thank You SGM! You help me believe anything is possible in music. I have not had the chance to see SGM live yet, I hope I will someday have the opportunity. Thank You

A. Humble Wyrm posted the following Constructive Criticism: I have had the most fortunate and blessed of opportunities to both relax and open for SGM. They are NO gimmick, but geniune 'inventiveness'and I am proud to have had the chance to see them live. The end.

justin street posted the following Constructive Criticism: of natural history being the second, (or first)of the grand opening and closing of the real slg the museum has opened its doors one more time for those such as i have you such pain for the apocalypse that you will not avert it. "open your heart" and let them in for you. p.s. we love carla

Brian Brodie posted the following Constructive Criticism: To whom it may concern, I am a teacher at The Recording workshop in Chillicothe, OH. I work with music everyday either Playing, recording it, or teaching others how to do so. I have been a fan of SGM for about 3 years now. I happend to catch a show of theirs at a small bar called Micky Fins. I was blown away. Great intensity, and masterful song structure. I just wanted to express my gratitude. The new album is great. I have not stopped listening to it. I play it for all my students that I feel will apreciate it beauty. Thanks!

john meredith posted the following Constructive Criticism: "gimmickry" is an amazing word