June 29–July 6, 2000

disc quicks|rock/pop

Fontanelle

Fontanelle

(Kranky)

With the release of 1996’s double LP The Long Arm of Coincidence… (Kranky), Seattle space rockers Jessamine reached their improvisational peak. One got the impression that there was enough tape left over to stuff a dozen surrealistic pillows. The recording was arguably their most spacey and abstract: analog synths warbled; bass volume pedals sustained long, pulsing notes; guitar chords modulated and droned. The 1998 follow-up Don’t Stay Too Long (Kranky) was a jazzy departure with short, melodic songs. Bassist/vocalist Dawn Smithson had found a voice to rival PJ Harvey, and the accomplished band proved they could do more than noodle around with vintage equipment. Sadly, Smithson has departed and Jessamine is no more; but keyboardist Andy Brown and guitarist Rex Ritter have formed Fontanelle. The new band layers and mixes single phrases of guitar, keys and drums into complicated constructions. The instrumental pieces progress at a Tortoise-like pace, combining the focused jazz elements of Don’t Stay Too Long with the experimental spirit of The Long Arm of Coincidence. Fans of Jessamine who believed the group’s final record tasted great but was less filling, should find that Fontanelle has merged two great tastes that taste great together. Like Quickspace to Th’ Faith Healers, Fontanelle may tire of comparisons to its predecessor, but the spirit of a great band lives on. Take that as a compliment, gentlemen.

—Chris Nosal