The Aristocrats – ‘Culture Clash Live!’ [Review]

culture clash live aristocratsGiven that Marco Minnemann’s EEPS was TMMP’s #2 album of 2014, the fact that I love Culture Clash Live! to pieces is probably not that much of a surprise.

For the uninitiated, the Aristocrats are one of the fusion community’s hottest tickets right now. A power trio comprising lead drummist Minnemann, lead bassist Bryan Beller, and axe-wielding maniac Guthrie Govan, the Aristocrats’ collective moniker is synonymous with fiery fusillades of high speed shredding; rib-tickling and rubber chicken-abusing humour; and bottomless reservoirs of genuine, Holy Grail feel. Minnemann, Beller, and Govan have all worked with a near-endless list of musical luminaries both individually and collectively, and it goes without saying that Culture Clash Live! is a virtuoso showcase par excellence.

However, it’s important to point out that “virtuoso showcase” does not necessarily equate to “mind-numbing wankathon”. The Aristocrats have bugger all to prove to anyone; their individual track records say it all. Although you do need to be able to hear fast enough from time to time, deep listening reveals so much unspoken, borderline telepathic communication that you’ll be discovering new favourite moments a hundred listens down the line.

Fusion may not be for everybody, but when it’s done right, the results transcend mere genre cages and go somewhere else entirely. For proof, press play on Culture Clash Live!; the moment you’re looking for is about seventeen seconds in.

TMMP RATING: 97%

Links / Listen

The full Culture Clash Live! package (including live DVD) can be bought via the Aristocrats’ official website.

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Posted on 22 January 2015

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