A late great thesis on the one of a kind experiment that is Climax Golden Twins. The influential Seattle experimental duo returns after a decade plus break with a double LP that’s simply perfection. It is an instant classic.

Jeffery Taylor and Robert Millis have a rock adjacent style full of exotic samples and techniques and it’s presented here in perhaps it’s most fully realized from. Like their contemporaries Sun City Girls (Richard Bishop actually plays on this record,) you could describe at length the exotic and wide ranging interests and influences they bring to the table and you’d never capture how effortlessly they synthesize it all into a cohesive sound.

It’s experimental and improvisational but also deeply human and not over complicated. There’s nice variety including some heavier, riffier moments and some great instrumental features (too many to name but suffice to say: the personnel in these liner notes are very much worth exploring.) The double length let’s them take every idea to it’s full conclusion and though the tone is laid back, the record is packed to the bursting point with inspiration.

I had the privilege of attending the release party, which featured an opening set of wax cylinders and 78 rpm records played on period equipment. It was plain to see that their deep love of music cultivated the skill of true listening that serves them so well as musicians, improvisers and experimentalists.

For the live set they were joined by drums/percussion and contrabass. The ensemble was a joy to see and the intensity of their focus brings huge energy to even the quietest moments. Don’t get me wrong though- there was plenty of volume at times, with an edge that’s no less punk for being thoughtful.

This record is a don’t miss and if it’s ultimately the capstone to the projects lifetime then it’s a fitting one. I sure hope to hear more from them though, and as for the live experience well frankly I could see that every day of my life and never get bored. How about a world tour guys? If you need me to drive the van, just ask 😉