black midi’s Cavalcade

"Chaos Is Not Entropy...Chaos Is Continual Creation."

This aphorism from the liner notes of Praxis’ Transmutation (Mutatis Mutandis) is an oft useful lens when approaching compositions of seemingly inconceivable scope and structure. Cavalcade, the latest LP by London math rock band black midi, is certainly one. Drawing from an unquestionably larger sonic pallet than its 2019 predecessor, Schlagenheim, the quartet’s sophomore effort pushes their sonic boundaries even further into the depths of progressive avant-anarchy, producing a disorienting listening experience that occasionally borders on fevered brilliance. The harrowing opening cut “John L” is a perfect example, summoning a musical apocalypse driven by the buzzy noodling of guitars, dissonant strings, punishing bass and vocalist Geordie Greep's rabid, proselytizing grumble. The subdued “Marlene Dietrich” that follows has a cleansing effect, portending some of the quieter moments showcased on highlights like the frenzied “Chondromalacia Patella” and sputtering “Dethroned.” It is in these moments of contrast that black midi’s chaotic improvisational approach bears the most fruit, making the release that accompanies moments like the closing passages of “Diamond Stuff” or the profound symphonic resolution that closes “Ascending Forth” so inspired. Intentionally designed to discombobulate, Cavalcade is a mind-expanding listen that’s spontaneity excites just as often as it confounds.

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If you like Cavalcade, check out:

• For The First Time by Black Country, New Road

• Ege Bamyasi by Can

• In the Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson

• Black Fantasy Channel by Late of the Pier

• Bright Green Field by Squid