SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BILL ORCUTT – MUSIC IN CONTINUOUS MOTION

BILL ORCUTT
MUSIC IN CONTINUOUS MOTION
PALILALIA RECORDS

Since 1996, Bill Orcutt has released 23 solo studio albums, and so Music In Continuous Motion is number 24. He has also made a great many albums collaborating with other artists. Music in Continuous Motion is his first album since last year’s Another Perfect Day. It is also the perfect title for this album. His latest album features just him and his four electric guitars. It is an instrumental album of short, sharp, guitar blasts and it is full of interesting sounds and songs. There is not much post-production sound, but rather, an intimate performance of a man and his guitar, maybe even playing in your living room as you absorb the sounds he is laying down.

All of the songs are under three minutes, but he does a lot in a short time. “And warm to the touch” is very melodic and lovely and the title gives away the romantic nature of the song. It works on so many different levels. And then there is the grinding, almost prog/hard rock sound of “Unexpectedly heavy” (another perfect title). Orcutt is an accomplished guitarist. Listen to what he does in “Now nearly gone.”
The solos are perfectly balanced with the rhythmic guitar and the two layered makes for remarkable listening.

With “Unfinished not fragile”, Orcutt turns his head to surf music as a base and bulbs up from there. It is a driving song with very memorable riffs and melodies that overlap and that creates a post-punk sound. Each track is like this, he combines different styles and brings everything together. On the surface, it might not look like it will work, but your ears tell a different story.

Although the album is instrumental, Music In Continuous Motion does tell its own story. Orcutt dips into different genres throughout the album, which allows him to walk us through some guitar history. This is a collection of short stories that come together to paint a picture of rock music. The concept is in the title of the album, Music In Continuous Motion. It is a very unique way to honour guitar rock and note that it ain’t over, not by a long shot. Orcutt doesn’t need lyrics, he simply needs his guitars to create his own distinct language and very original album.

As noted, Music In Continuous Motion is the perfect title for this album. The album almost seems unfinished, waiting for the next installment of his records. That is clearly the intention. Music is always growing and moving, as is Orcutt. Music In Continuous Motion is an interesting and great album, full of great guitar work and songs.

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