Melbourne three-piece Battlesnake make free rock. With bass drums and Wurlitzer, it’s improvised music that drifts in and out of recognisable structures, yet rather than putting in verses and choruses they simply evolve off into new directions. Their approach has a real link to another Australian improvising three-piece The Necks, yet their sounds are coming from a whole other world. Battlesnake want to rock out.
Interestingly the trio, two of whom also play in local pop duo The Leafs, haven’ elected to provide one long 30 odd minute journey of a piece like they tend to do live, instead they appear to have culled together a series of interesting moments from much longer jams, slammed them up against each other and we’re left with eight pieces of diverse hi energy sounds.
Live there’ something almost hyperactive about the drumming of Michael Pulsford, and this album is the first time the band have been able to really capture it on recording. He is the barometer of the group, often picking them up and dragging them headlong into more frantic territory, particularly during highly inappropriate moments, which only adds to the joy and humour.
Yet there are also moments of quiet contemplation, and this is where Gus Kemp’ evocative and tasteful Wurlitzer really stands up, a gentle run of notes creating a whole new world. And it’s his interplay with bassist Adam Smith, who himself only needs to offer a few notes or a simple gesture, that provides the emotional connection to Battlesnake.
Live this band are near mystical, whipping crowds up into a frenzy as they chase the snake, seeming to effortlessly conjure up new sonic textures and structures. Your Life is on Fire feels similarly raw and unhinged, yet almost like a film soundtrack with repeated motifs that reference each other. That’s part of what’s key to Battlesnake, their enthusiasm and energy brings the party, yet their uncompromising technique and diverse structures means you wont hate yourself in the morning.
Bob Baker Fish
