ADT's debut release for Hausu Mountain is an ecstatic scramble through unbridled free jazz splatter, hard psychedelic rock, and brightly flickering synth textures. The group's revolving lineup has included several mainstays of Chicago's underground music scene, and here they feature drummer Ben Billington (
Quicksails,
Tiger Hatchery) as well as electronic musician Adam Tramposh, who released a handful of excellent tapes under the name Polymer Slug during the early 2010s and seemingly vanished afterwards. The group's fully improvised performances ebb and flow between chaotic ruckus and more sublime moments, with high-octane freakouts seamlessly segueing into more blissful, relaxed passages. But even the calmer parts are still somewhat uneasy and challenging. "Unlimited Self-Service" represents the most extreme end of the
ADT spectrum, with rusty sax ripping holes through the thick blankets of scattered keyboards and anarchic drumming. Many of the tracks start out heavy and confusing but eventually straighten out a bit, and only the brief, mist-like "Ersatz Bridge" seems to be entirely tranquil. When the group's energy level is charged up, however, they seem undeniably elated, and their joy is infectious. ~ Paul Simpson