While it is fun to listen to a record like this and recognize certain musical cues, there also seems to be a story being told. Various motifs recur, as do lyrical themes. I must confess however, that minus a lyric sheet, and any obvious groupings of songs in suite format, the overall concept of No Ifs, Ands Or Dogs eludes me for the time being.
That by the way, is a major characteristic of truly great prog records. The more difficult it is to figure out, the better. For example, has anyone ever deciphered Peter Gabriel’s story of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway? The answer is no, but it remains Genesis’ finest moment.
In much the same way, No Ifs, Ands Or Dogs may be Cheer-Accident’s masterwork. Their reputation over the past 30 years has included references to extreme noise and the avant-garde, but I would have to say that this latest release is not that way at all. It is experimental, but not in a way that should put off new listeners. In fact, I find this to be one of the most interesting records I have heard in a long time. For those whose tastes run a bit more adventurous than the usual fare, Cheer-Accident are recommended.
Article comments