HYPNOTIC CLAMBAKE
Mayonnaise (Bluebutton Records)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

---

The Dead are just that, and Phish flamed out fast last summer, but the state of groove music is thriving alive and well, at least according to the pulse of Mayonnaise, the new album by New England's own Hypnotic Clambake. There are all manner of flavors on the eclectic twelve track menu, from Middle Eastern spice to chill calypso style, all dashed with a healthy dose of good old American sandwich spread. One might thrill in the intricacies of "The Scheme of Things" and its fun, dizzying style or the longer, more sustained shout out to the 60's "Danger Mouse." The album is a mish mash of humorous influences, reflections and rants, a light hearty summer stew, served both warm and cold.

The only quibble to be had with Mayonnaise is the title and design and their obvious connection to late counter culture icon Richard Brautigan. While Brautigan would have certainly thrilled in the continued legacy of such music, the boys from Hypnotic Clambake do no justice to his hilarious non-sequitor in the song "Woe Is Me." Something as terrifically genius as Brautigan's sense of irony is a difficult lead to follow.

© 2005 - Erick Mertz