A high number of bands attempt to fuse conflicting musical genres into a coherent sound; some falling short of the mark, and some providing an essential listen. On ‘That Was Then, This Is Now’, THE JAMES CLEAVER QUINTET fall into the latter demographic, borrowing techniques from an incomprehensible number of influences. The south-eastern UK quintet vary their style so frequently during this thirteen track LP that it proves almost impossible to categorise. What does break through though is the sheer destructive power of the music on offer.
‘That Was Then, This Is Now’ is not close to being the heaviest record of the year, nor is it the most overtly ferocious; breakdowns and double blast drum beats are few and far between, yet listening to the album is similar to being a passenger in a racing car without a helmet. THE JAMES CLEAVER QUINTET experiment with time signatures as if song structure norms were alien to them, and, against all odds, it works. In fact, this is one of the few records which manages to switch from jazz-funk to hardcore punk with such ease. Take ‘The JCWho’ and ‘Pink & Blues’ as two of the best examples of this unsurpassed combination of styles.
In a musical climate where a lot of bands are playing it safe, THE JAMES CLEAVER QUINTET are unique. There are comparisons that can be made to a small number of contemporaries; however doing so would ultimately undermine the creativity displayed throughout ‘That Was Then, This Is Now’. With a completion time set around the hour mark, only a dedicated listener will truly appreciate the subtle nuances that make this an exceptional record. Luckily, the LP does everything in its power to promote devotion. For those who stick with THE JAMES CLEAVER QUINTET for the duration, let one warning be heeded: this is one hell of a ride.
BEN TIPPLE