Beeble Box: Dominant Domain

Another mind-opening experience can be found at the hands of Beeble Box on Dominant Domain (ACME BB07-3307-2; 70:13). Though you might expect a creative and even humorous edge from a band named for the two-headed galactic president in the sci-fi classic The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, it’s hard to prepare for the uniquely detailed arrangements offered here. Although the five-member ensemble generally starts out in recognizable genre playing fields, there’s usually an unexpected element or two to push the envelope. For example, Latin-esque piano riffs and percussion jam with a fusion-pushing sax line on “Now What?”, with a frenetic guitar line adding an other-worldly quality. “Quiet Earth” wraps a traditional-styled, gentle jazz waltz, around an ethereal, needling guitar solo that seems to float in space. “Raw Material” is an explorative, exploding romp, while “Homer Simpson” offers funky percussion, spacey keyboards and a wigged-out, off-kilter melody in a coolly confident soul package. This unusual, Indianapolis-by-way-of-Germany band has been at it for 15 years-and the experience shows in their sublime detail and super-tight execution.

Originally Published June 1, 1999