Object Of Unknown Function is multi-intrumentalist Brandon Seabrook’s second solo album, coming ten years after his first, Sylphid Vitalizers. It features Seabrook on an array of instruments, electric and 12-string guitars, vintage banjos and even cassette recordings used as an accompaniment.
The music is intense, dramatic, even aggressive; it is based on complex compositions and the use of multilayering of the various instruments delivered at breakneck speed. It has been described as having ‘the inventiveness of a mad scientist’ and ‘a strong element of physicality’.
There is, however, a welcome variety and an element of humour across the ten tracks on the CD. Certain tracks, for example, the title track and Perverted by Perseverance, create a high energy and almost manic effect by layering the sound of several instruments on top of each other, and by creating occasional sudden pauses before moving into a change of direction. A more atmospheric mood is created on The Snow Falling, Failing by the use of a number of vintage tenor banjos playing over each other. There are also a number of genuinely solo tracks without any layering; Unbalanced Love Portfolio and Phenomenal Doggerel feature solo banjo and Gawk Fodder and Some Recanted Evening feature the 12-string guitar.
Another excellent recording from the Pyroclastic Records label.
