Cheer-Accident – “Fear Draws Misfortune” – [Cuneiform]

Max Level   8/17/2010   A Library, CD

As they approach their 30th anniversary, it’s nice to see that this Chicago band remains as baffling and confounding as ever. And good. Their sound is dense, tense, and often dissonant; a sort of jazzy prog-rock that reminds me somewhat of Henry Cow, if HC had been less good-natured. The two or three guys currently comprising the band -there have been more than a few personnel changes over the years- play a whole raft of instruments among them, and this time they bring along a large roster of guests on horns, woodwinds, violin, cello, and vocals. Expect a big bold sound, with unpredictable changes in musical direction, ambitious arrangements, and really good musicianship.