Giant Squid
The Ichthyologist

Here is a group that kicks ass, a band that sweeps away the garbage of the countless metal and similar productions that have come out in recent years like flowers in spring.

They were musically born in Austin, Texas and have only now moved to California. Giant Squid started their career in 2006 with "Metridium fields." "The Ichthyologist" saw the light in February 2009, but couldn't make its way into the market, not so much because of the content's quality (which is certainly high) but because of a complex offering and a budget not exactly at cosmic levels. Yet, as previously mentioned, the band deserves attention. Giant Squid manages to create something alternative and personal, especially thanks to the cello of Jackie Perez Gratz: the atmospheres created are intimately linked to some flashes of Neurosis and Tool, as well as fleeting post-rock and even jazz insertions. A varied and compelling final picture finds its fullest expression in the dramatic "La brea tar pits", the highlight of the CD and one of the most beautiful pieces ever written by the four Texans.

The work weaves through more badass and powerful tracks where one can find sludge reminiscences (who mentioned early Mastodon?), particularly in the opener "Panthalassa", but the strength of the platter lies precisely in its ability to "mutate," which is why each composition moves on different coordinates from one another. How not to mention, for example, the apocalyptic ballad "Mormon island"? A piece outside the box, dark and ghostly, in which the musicians prove perfectly at ease.

To avoid any misunderstanding, it should be said that "The Ichthyologist" needs to be absorbed in small doses: its diversity doesn't allow it to hit the point directly but requires patience and a few additional listens to be fully appreciated. The progressive rock/metal of Giant Squid, with all its array of further contaminations, manages to generate a work (and especially a style) worthy of note, which has the skill and wisdom not to fossilize on the archetypes of the "key bands."

Venture into these worlds.

1. "Panthalassa (Lampetra Tridentata)" (5:50)
2. "Le Brea Tar Pits (Pseudomonas Putida)" (7:28)
3. "Sutterville (Vibrio Cholerae)" (4:08)
4. "Dead Man Slough (Pacifastacus Leniusculus)" (5:33)
5. "Throwing A Donner Party At Sea (Physeter Catodon)" (5:40)
6. "Sevengill (Notorynchus Cepedianus)" (7:11)
7. "Mormon Island (Alluvial Au)" (6:39)
8. "Blue Linckia (Linckia Laevigata)" (7:11)
9. "Emerald Bay (Prionace Glauca)" (6:10)
10. "Rubicon Wall (Acipenser Transmontanus)" (7:58)