Thinking Plague 'In Extremis'

Tracks

In Extremis, by Thinking Plague (1998)
1. Dead Silence [4.00]
2. Behold the Man [4.23]
3. This Weird Wind [8.02]
4. Les Etudes D'Organism [14.00]
5. Maelstrom [3.32]
6. The Aesthete [4.35]
7. Kingdom Come [13.46]


Mike Johnson: guitars, synthesizers, sequenzing
David Kerman: drums and percussion
Mark Harris: saxes, clarinet, flute, bass clarinet
Deborah Perry: voice
Dave Willey: bass guitar, accordian
Shane Hotle: piano, synthesizers, mellotron
Bob Drake: bass guitar, voice, violin
with
Kirk Jameson: bass guitar
Kim Marsh: piano, synthesizers
Samjay Kumar: synthesizers
Scott Brazieal: piano, synthesizers
Mark Fuller: drums
Katie Cox: violins
M. Fitzmaurice: double bass and erhu
Rick Benjamin: trombone


http://www.cuneiformrecords.com/bandshtml/thinking.html

http://members.nbci.com/tplague/tp.html


Thinking Plague are at the forefront of a subsection of the progressive genre named 'Rock In Opposition' or 'RIO'. Described by some as a group of bands really 'pushing the envelope' others as unpleasant unmusical 'noise'.

The origins of RIO go back to bands like Henry Cow and White Noise. (White Noises album 'Electric Storm In Hell' is know, within BoA, as a particularly fine method of clearing guests at the end of parties).

The title, In Extremis, is Latin, meaning 'at the very point of death'. And, according to the notes, the songs delve into the feelings of fear, resignation and enlightenment, which result from one's realisation of the imminence of death. Heavy stuff…

1. Dead Silence

Anything but! 'Scat' female vocals random time signatures. The structure of symphonic rock is stretched to the boundaries.

2. Behold the Man

More of the same. Some parts could almost be Genesis but the music is severely haunting.

3. This Weird Wind

Male vocals. This could almost be Jon Anderson on a cosmic collision course with Robert Fripp. The best track so far. Imagine 'Olias of Sunhillow' meets something from Crimsons 'Beat'.

4. Les Etudes D'Organism

Perhaps Magmas American cousin, the more 'atonal' aspects of Gong. but a track that draws you in with its tight hypnotic beat. This track is just all over the place.

The album continues in the same way but if I'm honest I have lost the words,references and knowledge to express much more of this album on paper. In Extremis just has experienced aurally not secondhand visually.

The production quality and musicianship of this CD are simply stunning if not staggering. Where I stand in the 'is this music or just noise' debate I'm not sure.. I found the album highly intriguing, definitely challenging but I have to admit, mainly uncomfortable listening. But saying this, its an album I return to and I do highly recommend it to anyone that is seeking to expand their understanding of all that is 'progressive' within rock music.

Thinking Plague are on the American Cuniform label. A label that must be congratulated for giving a voice not only to such new experimental bands, but also for their faith in rescuing past forgotten genres such as BoA Fav's 'The Canterbury Scene'.

Ian Oakley February 2001

Phish & Chips