Frowny Frown 2 is the second in a series of 6 albums, that coincide with a 6 part comic series. This project includes a full length 8 track, and a 64 page full color comic. They can be purchased together or separately.
There's a lot that could be said about this project, I have been working on it on and off for more than 10 years. It involves characters whose names were taken from spam emails, lyrics also be culled from the same spam emails. The story involves magician/scientists (called thaumatists), artists, superheroes, gods, monsters, parallel universes, possession drugs, ghost aliens, and of course politicians.
Musically, there is a lot going on too. Lots of superimposed rhythms taken from balkan and indian traditions over brazilian chord progressions. Each album will continue the themes from the previous album and push them to new places, constantly evolving. Like a musical exquisite corpse.
This project is also a commentary and reflection on technology. Each release will be issued on a different format, with the music stylistically matching the medium. In other words, the first release was on vinyl, and reflected music of the 60s, namely acoustic jazz and pop rock. The second release (the one in question) is released on an 8 track tape, and reflects the electric experiments found in 70s music. The third release will be on a cassette tape and bear the influence of music from the 80s. You get the idea.
I want to keep the online presence of this project to a minimum. It is meant to be heard on home stereo equipment, and held, and read. I hope you understand. The music is some of my favorite I've written.
personnel:
Aaron Novik- clarinet, bass clarinet, compositions
Kasey Knudsen- alto sax
Karina Denike- vocals
Dina Maccabee- violin, vocals
Ava Mendoza- guitar
Michael Coleman- keyboards
Lisa Mezzacappa- electric bass
Sam Ospovat- drums
Ches Smith- congas, percussion
Shayna Dunkelman- percussion