All Time Present expands horizons

By Paul Egas No one else would take it

Lately I seem to be reviewing CDs that do not fit easily into a specific genre. All Time Present's self-titled offering is one of those CDs. One could easily classify it as the experimental genre, but that is very broad category. The best classification for All Time Present would have to be improvisational experimental guitar.

They play their guitars with no regard for classical or conventional traditions. For those still confused, it is kind of like letting a blind and deaf man play guitar, although with better sounding results (there is a difference, I have heard both). They also believe that improvisation is higher form of art, and exercise their philosophy by focusing on live performances.

All Time Present consists of Chris Forsyth, Rich Gross, and Ethan Sklar on electric guitars. For live shows, Toshi Makihara and David Gould add percussion to the mix. The group was formed as a trio in1998 and has recently picked up the percussionists to add to the show.

The driving force of this collaboration is Chris Forsyth, it is on his independent label Bottom Feeder. The band has gained acclaim and radioplay throughout the world; the problem is that the CD is not easily available.

You may think this style of music is not for you, but first try it. You may like it. Though it is wild and unfettered, it is not carelessly crafted. The tracks of All Time Present challenge the conventional notions of melody and rhythm. Each track's sound ranges from a raging cacophony to engaging melodic strains.

My review is based on the average of two separate ratings. For the enjoyment of those who like this genre, it deserves 4 of 5 stars. However, there is not much appeal for those who aren't conditioned to this type of sonic expression, and a 2 of 5.

If you are hesitant about searching out this CD, you have two great opportunities to check out the band without much commitment. The first is totally free-all you have to do is listen to your own student radio station, WREK. On Tuesday, February 22, All Time Present will conduct a live broadcast on "Live At WREK." Just turn that FM dial to 91.1 at 10 p.m. and sample the band for free. All Time Present will also appear at Eyedrum on Wednesday, February 23 at 9 p.m. See their website, www.eyedrum.org, for more information. All I ask is that you try to expand you musical horizons. Even I once stayed away from this stuff, and just look at me now.

If you want a hard-to-find copy of All Time Present, try the label's website at www.expectdelay.com/bottomfeeder.