Although DisConcerto was Chainsaw Jazz's sole album, it helped defined the sound of their label Cuneiform Records (at least one end of their spectrum). The ex-Muffins drummer Paul Sears and his acolytes deliver very complex and ultra-fast progressive-oriented instrumental tunes in the three to five minutes range, an aesthetic other Cuneiform bands like
Forever Einstein and Rattlemouth have adopted. The difference resides in the fact that Chainsaw Jazz is funkier and jazzier, thus getting closer to the spirit of
Frank Zappa's music than any of their label mates (his influence is best heard on "Mad Whiskey Bitch"). Mark Gilbert often overdubs his sax parts (Christian Nagle's guitar often doubles him too), giving the impression of a jazz brass section. The guitar is crunchy and isn't scared of sounding heavy (as on "Momentary Discomfort"), while the violin's phrasing of
Ed Maguire betrays classical training. The music is close to Amsterdam's avant-rock band Blast, minus the typical Holland-esque silliness and the more chamber rock side of the band, plus a good dose of American humor and strong fusion jazz influence. Due to Chainsaw Jazz's quick disappearance, this album has been overlooked, but it has much to offer to avant-prog fans. ~ François Couture