Live performance trumps record

Laborious Clef has thus far made its name on the Bloomington club and bar scene, relentlessly gigging in and around town building a grassroots fan base. The band satiates that fan base with its debut, self-titled release, an eclectic album that aptly displays its multiple musical influences. \nThere are moments on the album where the band members' compositional abilities and playing skills shine through -- melding jazz, punk rock and funk into a single entity. At its best, Laborious Clef rouses comparisons to jam band golden child Umphrey's McGee, in the ability to play intricate instrumental runs without losing the overall significance and aesthetic pleasure of the \nsong itself. At its worst, the band's underlying punk sound can be distracting and slightly misplaced. \nThe playing abilities of each member exceed the limitations of the punk genre. Guitarist Jason Allen is one of few guitarists on the Bloomington scene who can actually play dynamic solos, and he is complemented by a tight rhythm section. The vocal arrangements are ambitious yet fall short of their aims. The strength of Laborious Clef is the ability to just play and play well, an aspect demonstrated on most of the tracks.