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CD Review
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Holland Sentinel, CD Review >>
Moving from Chicago to Holland will undoubtedly result in culture shock. One way I experienced this was West Michigan's affinity for marching bands. In homage to this local identity, and at the onset of another football season replete with fight songs and retooled classic rock songs, I bring the answer to one of life's enduring questions: "What happens to the really cool marching band members when school is out forever?"
The answer: MarchFourth Marching Band
The self-titled release by this Portland, Ore.,-based cacophony of sound has much to offer. Comprised of a 10-piece brass section, 12-piece percussion section and one bassist as the glue, this band is unlike any marching band you have ever heard. With a firm base in jazz and funk, MarchFourth dabbles with Latin sounds, rock, big band and so much more.
Listening to this album is more akin to a frenetic journey through music. Much like a good wine, the track "Pilo Erect" could be described as having a nose of an approachable Mr. Bungle, a mid-palate of Tito Puente and the long enduring finish of a mix of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Yemeni style singing. To denigrate them to a gimmicky marching band would be absurd. iTunes lists the band's genre as "Unclassifiable."
In addition, MarchFourth's live performance includes stilt walkers, fire breathers and dancers. I can only hope some day Holland invites the group to turn Tulip Time on its head.
Take a listen. You will understand.-- Bruce Jones, Holland 09/06/07
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