Recorded live at the Georgia Theatre in Athens, Georgia,
Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit serve up their unique brand of party music. Mix together some Southern rock, some blues, some funk, a little jazz, and a touch of psychedelia, and that's what you'll find on this enjoyable live set.
Hampton and
the Aquarium Rescue Unit tell real-world, blue-collar tales in a guitar-dominated sonic environment with
Jimmy Herring (guitar), Oteil Burbridge (bass, vocals), and
Chuck Leavell (piano, organ) making notable contributions. The Colonel himself plays some guitar and takes the lead vocals in a manner that is better described as rhythmic shouting rather than singing. Highlights of the album include the groovy "Yield Not To Temptation," and the free form, improvisational "Quinius Thoth," but it is "Basically Frightened" which truly captures the essence of the band as a fun, eclectic, rocking good time. ~ Brian Bartolini