November 2008

Eric Hofbauer & The Infrared Band
Myth Understanding
Creative Nation Productions

By Bill Milkowski

Boston-based guitarist Eric Hofbauer is no hellacious chopsmeister, but his edgy, outsider aesthetic informs this intriguingly original music. Utilizing spiky lines, odd harmonies and dissonant chordal clusters (Joe Morris meets “Blood” Ulmer) while also making striking use of space and putting a premium on swing and blues, Hofbauer stakes out fresh territory on tunes like “Jac Mac Talkin’,” “A Drunk Monk” and “The Chump Killer.” Secret weapon Kelly Roberge enlivens these tracks with rare abandon and blowtorch intensity on tenor sax.