Locrian & Mamiffer

On their own, Locrian and Mamiffer have a great deal going for them. Mamiffer's 2008 debut album came out on American underground behemoth Hydra Head, giving them instant cred, while Locrian have developed their sound and skill over a dozen or so releases since 2005. After years of mutual respect, they joined forces. With six musicians in the mix, meeting in Chicago's Electrical Audio studios with renowned producer Greg Norman, and little in the way of plans, the half-dozen tracks on Bless Them That Curse You balance their mutual and distinct influences with natural grace. Some tracks push more towards the experimental ambient side, while others drive towards post-rock and black metal. Often with such large collaborations, "too many chefs in the kitchen" syndrome can kick in and smother the seeds of ideas, but Bless Them That Curse You comes together in an almost eerily casual fashion. The more downtempo tracks, rich with organic instrumentation and analog atmosphere, have a full sound, but still contain space to breathe, while the heavier moments don't feel rushed and overplayed. It feels certain that this won't be the last time these guys work together.