May 24–31, 2001

music

Just Say Grow

Pond-erous: (From left) Bardo Pond’s Farnsworth, Michael Gibbons, Takeda, John Gibbons and Sollenberger.

An expanded arsenal means a deeper Bardo Pond.

by Chris Nosal

"Two Planes," the opening track from Bardo Pond’s latest, Dilate (Matador), slowly reveals the interplay of languorous and dirty guitars; romantic, spectral violin; and cavernous warbles of Farfisa, before letting loose with the heavily layered noise that has become the band’s signature. The elements then separate as organically as they came together and decay quietly into the next track, "Sunrise," which similarly grows from the soft sound of Isobel Sollenberger’s sweet voice and a gently strummed guitar.

It’s a formula the band has used in the past on drugged-out records like 1996’s Amanita and 1999’s Set and Setting, sure, but never with such grace, control and talent. Philly’s quintet of experimental rock heroes has always been vastly creative while maintaining a roughness around the musical edges. But while lulling fans into a stupor they were honing some skills, both in the studio and with their instruments. Dilat e is bigger, denser and tighter than any previous Bardo release, and without compromising even an eighth-ounce of trippy artistry.

But this is not just art rock. At times the album just rocks. It sounds as if the band is channeling Black Sabbath on "lb.," for example. Former Strapping Fieldhands drummer Ed Farnsworth is just about the full-time Bardo drummer at this point — although long-time drummer Joe Culver, who has heeded the call of academia, does contribute drums and Farfisa on a few tracks. Farnsworth brings his indie rock influence to songs like "Inside" with crisp beats that politely coerce the band to stay in time. Each band member seems to add elements that keeps things rolling. All five cylinders are firing, all six if you count the home studio where Set and Setting and now Dilate were recorded.

While in Koln on the European leg of a tour with labelmates (and apparently big fans) Mogwai, guitarist Michael Gibbons was able to spare some time to communicate via e-mail about the recent developments in the band’s recording process and the resulting sound.

"Since Set and Setting we beefed the studio up a bit and made it nicer. We had a lot of time to get into the process and investigate textures and combinations of textures."

The expanded home studio has also changed the way Bardo Pond creates new music. "A song like ‘Two Planes’ is actually very old and has gone through many different arrangements before having been completed for Dilate," Gibbons explains.

"‘Sunrise’ is the same thing. Over the last two years we have used the live shows to focus on complete material. Before we would work on material more often in the live setting, but the studio is more the place where songwriting takes place now."

Besides using the studio as a sixth man, there are a few more obvious changes evident on Dilate. The band elected to print song lyrics, mostly penned by Sollenberger with one contribution by bassist Clint Takeda. The words help give some entry into the band’s often solipsistic musical world. And Sollenberger sings these lyrics loud and clear, continuing to emerge as a confident front-person with violin and flute still in hand. In addition to some subtle use of synthesizers, acoustic guitars also enter the mix and help make the record richer. In the hands of the brothers Gibbons (Michael and John), acoustic guitars can create everything from a rootsy, more overtly bluesy feel, to an Eastern, raga vibe as on "Swig."

The improved studio and the new instruments aren’t just new toys, however. To some extent, they have affected the band’s direction and, according to Gibbons, will keep on doing so. "The live show is still primarily the same as it has been… but the new instruments have definitely opened up our minds and will be explored further in the future. I think the studio albums will continue on with a combination of our live band ethic, as well as fully exploiting the recording studio."

The band is paired with Mogwai for the American portion of this tour, as well — which could open the door for some interesting collaboration. Gibbons jokes, "[Mogwai jack-of-all-trades] Barry [Burns] and Isobel may engage in some kind of light sabre/flute duel. The details are still being worked out."

Not likely, but you can bet that Mogwai’s dilated pupils do pay close attention when our hometown heavy-hitters take the stage.

Bardo Pond will perform with Mogwai, Thu., May 24, 9 p.m., $14, $16 day of show, at the TLA, 334 South St., 215-922-1011, www.electricfactory.com.