by Charles Davis (@LosDoghouse)
It’s a wild, wild world outside, full of horrors & sorrows; tears & fears - how must one navigate such rapid change? Alas, Brigid Dawson & The Mothers Network offer sanctuary from the trials of this greater storm; an analogous warmth, forthright honesty, & familiar newness, which lull one into a sense of comfort & calm amidst our swirling chaoses. Ballet Of Apes is that ice cold beverage on a scorching summer high noon; a retro-tomorrow frequency resonating like how one would imagine (or recall) catching a favorite track on the radio in 1955 might feel - only in some sort of post-post-Jules Verne-meets-Philip K. Dick 2071, on a cassette you found amidst the rubble of yesterday's wars/ plagues/ famines.
Ballet of Apes is a fantastically elusive texture of otherwise 'rock' elements, reminding you of a dream you perhaps had, or a place you thought you were, but weren't. Physically consisting of some exquisitely tasteful guitar work, thumping, melodic bass, dynamic, textural keys, a terrifically here/ there saxophone, and a most effectively captured, real-life drumkit - the distinct but unplaceable framework of rock'n'roll - both momentary & timeless. Metaphysically, however, we are talking four dimensional prisms; light in its multiversal presence. Though, perhaps what is most endearing about this work is the truly wholesome frequencies; all presence becoming, there is a life here worth living.
Justly so, it is through a commanding presence, contemplative earnesty, and emotional depth which vocal displays rightfully lead all ventures, no matter the terrain. Brigid Dawson's unique, honest, approachable stylings relate their sentiments fully; blazing trails through the rough-but-beautiful landscape. Leaving a bread crumb trail of reverb & delay along the path, there is a ruggedness both wildly impressive & dangerously inviting. A salty-sweet sort of living ghost - the plain of existence surpasses the tangible reality. Much respect to this art and those who helped it come to fruition; this is a ride worth it’s weight.