Totimoshi + “Avenger”
Every now and then, a band comes along who refuses to play the game and impose any soft of rigid creative boundaries on themselves and instead, choose to take on the challenge of exploring and playing within their own creative essence. Such is the case with TOTIMOSHI.
Formed in 1999 by Antonio Aguilar (guitar) and Meg Castellanos (bass, vocals), TOTIMOSHI have built an impressive catalogue since the turn of the century and their self-titled debut release. Joined by Chris Fugitt (drums), “Avenger” is the band’s fifth full-length and the first for the impressive At A Loss imprint.
With this upcoming release, TOTIMOSHI exhibit all of their quirky musical genius and cool-hand, left-field twang. Considering that Aguilar took it upon himself to invent his own guitar tuning, it shows just how deep the conviction goes towards blazing new ground making music. Even with all their subtle musical complexities, the band is very cagey and left plenty of room for spontaneity within the song structures. The playing on “Avenger” is a great balance of thoughtful composition and unbridled passion. Although it’s a very cohesive recording from end-to-end, each song is unique.
It would be no surprise if “Avenger” served to catapult the band to a wider audience – broader success would certainly be well deserved – but it should be noted that TOTIMOSHI have built quite a following through the years. Notable fans include Dale Crover (Altamont, The Melvins, Shrinebuilder), Brent Hinds (Mastodon) and Scott Kelly (Neurosis, Shrinebuilder). In fact, each of them make an appearance and perform on “Avenger” as well.
The production by Toshi Kasai (Melvins, Shrinebuilder, Tool) is impeccable. Although it is burnished and sparse in paces, overall, the mix is rich and complex. There is plenty of variation in the rhythm guitar tones and the drums sound great. Everything is well balanced and the bass guitar is prominent with plenty of character.
Although there is definitely a raw, ‘in-your-face” edge to their sound, Kasai gives it just enough polish to truly shine; “Avenger” proves rather convincingly that you don’t need tons of gain or a smoldering fuzz box or to bring the Heavy. Mastering was done by John Golden (Melvins, Mike Watt, OM) so it was a fine job done end to end.
Personally, I can say without reservation that “Avenger” is one of the finest releases I’ve heard yet in 2011.
The band will take it to the stage on a North American tour across nearly 30 cities, before winding down on September 3, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona.
“We believe in touring,” says Antonio Aguilar. “We live our lives as musicians. We’ve run the gamut: slept on couches, slept on floors. Shit, we’ve even slept in rest stops. You haven’t lived unless you’ve woken up in a shitty rest stop in a van off some freeway on a lost American highway. We’ve played hundreds and hundreds of shows. Music chose us; that’s our philosophy. I enjoy the release of a live performance as much as I do sitting with a guitar and writing a tune. They’re two parts to a whole.”
Damn right, I’ll be there to catch them live and you should too!
“Avenger” is set to drop on August 16, 2011 via At A Loss Recordings.
For pre-order info, point your browser HERE.
Totimoshi on the dub dub dub: http://www.totimoshi.com
Totimoshi on Farcebook: http://www.facebook.com/totimoshi
At A Loss official website:
http://www.atalossrecordings.com
AAL on FB: http://www.facebook.com/atalossrecords
- Share this via
Blog this!- Recommend on Facebook
- Tweet about it
