Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade

Helmsmen and bassist extraordinaire of Primus, Les Claypool, merges with a cadre of musically talented eccentrics in Live Frogs: Set 1, the first release of a double live set. Operating under the name aptly christened Colonel Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, Live Frogs is just one of Claypool's several side projects. Serving up a hot plate of seven bass-driven, musically chaotic gems, Live Frogs will inevitably lead to an out-of-control, hypnotic dance.\nThe Brigade comprises original Primus guitarist Todd Paclebar Huth, guitarist Eenor, keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, drummer Jay "Rhino Boy" Lane and saxophonist Skerik. Recorded live at San Francisco's Great American Music Hall, Live Frogs features covers of King Crimson's "Thela Hun Ginjeet" and Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond." \nBefore launching into an arsenal of raunchy guitars, "Thela Hun Ginjeet" begins with frogs chirping amid a trance-inducing guitar loop. Claypool's omnipotent bass playing becomes salient as Huth's and Eenor's guitars work to forge a turbulent musical coalescence. Setting an early precedent that other tracks follow, "Thela" spans more than 14 minutes, enabling each member of the brigade to assail the listener with his musical splendor.\n"Riddles Are Abound Tonight" is a groovy track, slowing only to heed Claypool's uncanny voice. Disseminating incessant hard-core surf rock, "Riddles" encompasses untuned, distorted guitar, explosive keyboards and Claypool's slap bass. Climaxing near the end to a huge wave of sonic sound, "Shattering Song" scarcely contains any lyrics, save for Claypool's rendition of the Door's "Riders On The Storm." \nBreaking from the pattern established by other tracks, "Running The Gauntlet" simmers down, and Claypool takes roll call, introducing the brigade to the audience. Paying homage to Pink Floyd, Frog Brigade's cover of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" captures the sheer talent that Frog Brigade embodies.\nLive Frogs stirs up a nostalgic craving for a good dose of Primus' "Sailing The Seas of Cheese" or "Tales From The Punchbowl." Aside from Claypool's spellbinding bass-playing prowess, the hallmark of this album is Skerik's stellar saxophone.