Bushman's Revenge - Jitterbug

Bushman’s Revenge
Jitterbug
(2010, Rune Grammofon)
RIYL = Shining, Battles, Elephant9

I am at a bit of a loss in trying to categorize Bushman’s Revenge. On their sophomore release, Jitterbug, the trio have created a blissful, catatonic, mischievous, rocking, jazzy record that ties together post rock riffage with free jazz syncopation, sallow, bluesy guitar passages with out-rock song contortions and, well, everything else in-between (what is in-between those things?). It’s a wild ride really. And, despite being on Rune Grammofon and dabbling in jazz histrionics, Jitterbug is a decidedly more rocking record than anything else. So, that's it: it's a rock record. The band is super technical, but don't let their intelligent, instrumental proficiency keep them from locking down a multitude of awesome, mindless grooves. Jitterbug just seems to be that rare melting pot that manages to produce something totally exciting rather than pale and boring. From 60's psychedelia to 70’s prog to 80’s metal to contemporary out-rock noise bliss, Jitterbug combines them all. Bushman’s Revenge evoke all the best in rock nostalgia without whimpering into the more embarrassing moments and always managing a contemporary air. As far as instrumental rock records go, it doesn’t get much better than this.

-Thistle

Listen to selected tracks at Rune Grammofon's website