Controlled Bleeding

After five years of limited activity, the ultra-prolific Paul Lemos is back with a new version of his long-running, constantly evolving musical project, Controlled Bleeding. Quite possibly the only group to have recorded music that can be classified as prog, noise rock, ambient, industrial dance and dub, Controlled Bleeding have released no fewer than 30 albums since 1983. Odes to Bubbler juxtaposes several previously released tracks against songs recorded by the new line-up of Lemos, drummer Tony Meola and electronics maestro Michael Bazini. Vocalist and former Controlled Bleeding member Joe Papa makes a posthumous appearance, as do Weasel Walter and Ruins drummer Tatsuya Yoshida. Pitting blistering, prog-y art-rock against ambient soundscapes and harsh noise is no small feat, but Lemos and company do so with a deftness that only comes from experience. Controlled Bleeding have attained a longevity that's the envy of many of their peers. Odes to Bubbler proves that they deserve it.