Duck
Duck gives The Aristocrats plenty of room for their mix of rock, jazz and musical humour. Guitarist Guthrie Govan, bassist Bryan Beller and drummer Marco Minnemann work through nine instrumentals with sharp changes and a high level of detail. The story behind the record follows a duck's unlikely journey, but the playing matters more than the plot. The strongest pieces combine impressive technique with ideas that remain easy to recognise.
Hey, Where's MY Drink Package? is a lively opening, bringing the three instruments together with plenty of force. Aristoclub then adds a firmer dance-like groove and a clear melodic pull. Sgt. Rockhopper keeps the early momentum high, with a large guitar riff and a rhythm section that gives the busiest passages a solid base. The opening run is among the album's most convincing stretches.
The guitar is naturally a major attraction, but this is not simply a solo record with support. Beller's bass has a strong presence, and Minnemann helps the music move quickly between different levels of intensity. The clean production makes it easier to follow those parts, so the detail remains audible when the arrangement becomes more complicated.
There are useful changes of mood too. Sittin' With A Duck On A Bay brings a looser, funky feel, including a playful guitar sound that suits the title. Muddle Through and Slideshow allow more atmosphere into the music. Govan's move from a gentler melody into faster playing on Slideshow is especially effective because both sides have a place in the arrangement.
The long developments are less convincing when the interaction becomes more interesting than the tune. Some passages can feel like an extended jam between excellent players, asking the listener to follow detail without providing an equally strong melodic reason. The heavier focus on technique may also limit the appeal for anyone who prefers shorter instrumental songs.
Even so, Duck contains enough character to make the journey worthwhile. The closing material adds further colours, including violin on This Is Not Scrotum, and the trio keep finding different ways to play together. This is a demanding but enjoyable fusion record. Its best moments show that humour, strong grooves and serious musicianship can share the same space.
