Experimental Pioneer Tilted Axes Releases Album Music For Mobile Guitars
Every once in a while something comes to our attention that is too fascinating to ignore. That is exactly what we have found here with New York’s experimental pioneer Tilted Axes. Combining the energy of rock, the creative discipline of theater, and the experimental spirit of the downtown NYC arts scene, Tilted Axes is both a processional event, and an ensemble of mobile electric guitarists created by composer/performer Patrick Grant. Recently Tilted Axes released their latest collection of studio recorded tracks, Music for Mobile Electric Guitars.
This album is a perfect representation of Tilted Axes quirky and eccentric take on live music. The band cuts musical pathways through the urban landscape, turning neighborhoods into sonic narratives. As a form of street theater, the ensemble brings potent, ecstatic riffs, and an element of surprise, to an unsuspecting public.
We can feel the frenetic energy of Tilted Axes throughout ripping tracks like “Alamo Tilt,” “Techno Tilt” and “Ascia Obliquae.” There is a start line balance however between the energetic tracks and the more subdued ballad that is where this album truly shines. Tunes like “Pedal Swells,” “Polymetric Patterns” and “Harmonic Revolutions” gives the release an ethereal and dreamy quality that makes it a true joy to explore. If you love jam bands like Lotus, String Cheese Incident and The Disco Biscuits you should definitely give this album a listen.
Inspired by his background in gamelan music and vanguard theater work, classically-trained post-rocker Grant conceived of Tilted Axes in 2011 as part of Make Music Winter, an event which transforms New York’s cityscape with participatory musical parades in honor of the winter solstice. Tilted Axes was a way of untethering the electric guitar from both heavy stage amps and traditional band structures, as well as bringing live music directly to its audience.
The guitarists of Tilted Axes perform original compositions written specifically for the event by Grant as well as those from the Tilted repertoire, using portable amplifiers strapped to their sides as they walk through the city streets. The outdoor procession of musicians moves along predetermined routes in selected areas, in honor of an event, landmark, or organization unique to that community.
Since its inception, Tilted Axes has evolved as a project with multiple incarnations in New York, Detroit, and Düsseldorf, Germany. In 2015 the project will manifest itself in performances in the USA, Europe, and South America. The musical pieces themselves, with their interlocking sections, make room for many kinds of genres and grooves.
Connect with the band on their Facebook and on their website. Also check out a video of their nocturnal musical adventures throughout NYC below. Grab Music for Mobile Electric Guitars here on Bandcamp!
